Caramagna Piemonte
Welcome to Caramagna Piemonte: a brief introduction
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about the beautiful Caramagna Piemonte, an Italian municipality of 3031 inhabitants located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. Known simply as "Caramagna" in the local language, this city is rich in history and culture that can be discovered through its ancient artifacts.
A Unique Geography
Caramagna is about 52 kilometers from Cuneo and 36 kilometers from Turin. The territory is located at an altitude ranging from 243 to 268 m above sea level. This position translates into a mild and pleasant climate, perfect for enjoying a walk in the city.
The History of Caramagna Piemonte
Caramagna's antiquity is confirmed by a Roman plaque dating back to the third or second century AD, found in the parish church, and by some tombs and fragments of the ancient walls of the village, demonstrating that the city was already inhabited as early as the year one thousand.
The Monastery of Santa Maria
The real name "Caramagna" appears for the first time in a "diploma" of Conrad II the Salian, king of Germany and Italy, in 1026. The foundation of the Monastery of Santa Maria on May 28, 1028, by the Marquis of Turin, Olderico Manfredi II and his wife Berta di Milano, greatly increased the power of the town. This later expanded its interests throughout the lower Piedmont and Liguria.
Manfredo then appointed "Almighty God" as the heir to the monastery, entrusting its care to the nuns of the Order of St. Benedict. The nuns did not always follow these indications, and therefore in 1444, due to their conduct, they were replaced by the equivalent male order, which in turn was replaced in 1620 with the Gerolamini dell'osservanza.
The Communal Government
In 1250, with the consent of the people of Asti, Caramagna was organized as a communal type. The Council, called "Credenza", composed of two mayors and other 20-25 members with specific tasks for the community, including two "massari delle strade", three "ragionatori", for defining taxes, and, an ambitious task, two "evaluators of wine and meat", to control the quality of food supplies.
The Feudal Lords of Caramagna
The "Caramagnese" feud passed from the Arduino in 1147 to Manfredo I of Saluzzo, then to the Counts of Luserna, to the city of Asti, and back to the Marquisate of Saluzzo of Manfredo II of Saluzzo. In 1305, Manfredo IV of Saluzzo appointed the Count Antonio di Conti di Biandrate as a feudal lord; in 1374, Amedeo IV of Savoy took possession of it, then successively Manfredo VI of Saluzzo, the Miolans Barons, the Saluzzo Cardé, and finally the Saluzzo Miolans Spinola di Garessio.
Difficult Periods
In 1350, the plague made its terrible appearance, a scourge that would periodically strike Caramagna in the following centuries, brought by foreigners or armies that would stay in the town during their transfers. The plague, the devastations caused by the armies' encampments, and famines brought about absolute poverty, as evidenced in 1587 by a municipal provision that stipulated that "''anyone who picks a fistful of grass in other people's meadows will incur punishment''."
Conclusions
Here is a brief introduction to the wonderful city of Caramagna Piemonte. From ancient artifacts, such as the Roman plaque and the Monastery of Santa Maria, to difficult periods like the plague, this city has a unique and fascinating history. If you are looking for a city to explore ancient history, culture, and natural beauty, Caramagna Piemonte is the right destination for you.
