Cantarana
An introduction to Cantarana
Cantarana is a small town in the province of Asti, located in the Piedmont region of Italy. With its 999 inhabitants, it is a quiet and pleasant place, surrounded by the hills of Astesana and immersed in nature. In this text, we will talk about the physical geography of the area, the origins of its name, its history and its symbols.
Physical Geography
Cantarana is located in the northwest of the province of Asti, and consists of two distinct hilly areas divided by the Cantarana Valley. To the west, there is the Bricco Grosso hill area, while to the east there is a steeper and wilder hilly area, which was probably inhabited as far back as the Roman era. The territory of the town was once the bed of an ancient sea, and today it is still possible to find numerous shells when walking through the hills. The toponym Cantarana is of probable Celtic origin and refers to the presence of waterways.
History
The name Cantarana began to be used in the 1300s as the center of a large land possession of the noble Astigian family of the Malabayla. In the 1500s, Cantarana became a municipality with a regularly convened municipal council. In the 16th century, it underwent a radical transformation due to a swamp that made it unsuitable for human habitation. Human activity then moved to a hamlet called Il Torrazzo. However, already in the following century, with the construction of the parish church, a small center began to reform in the valley. In the 19th century, the baron Medici of Asti laid the foundations for the construction of a large aqueduct in the Bonoma hamlet of Cantarana, which serves the entire city of Asti.
During the fascist period, Cantarana lost its autonomous municipal status, being merged in 1928 with Villafranca d'Asti, but it regained it in 1947. In 1995, the remains of an ancient and lost medieval castle were discovered, thanks to the work of Marco Ferrero and Angelo Benotto. Today, Cantarana is part of the union of municipalities called Comunità collinare Valtriversa.
Symbols
The coat of arms of Cantarana originally belonged to the Malabayla family, ancient feudal lords of the area.
Conclusions
Cantarana is a town rich in history and traditions, where nature meets culture to create the perfect environment for relaxation and rest. If you are looking for a quiet place to escape from daily routine, Cantarana is the place for you. Visit Cantarana and discover its unique and unrepeatable beauty.
