Carrosio
Carrosio: a medieval gem in Piedmont
Carrosio, also known as ''Carreuxo'' in Ligurian language and ''Careugio'' in Piedmontese language, is a small municipality located on the left bank of the Lemme stream, in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont. With a population of only 484 inhabitants, this medieval village has a rich and fascinating history that can still be admired in its monuments and places of interest.
History
The history of Carrosio is quite important, as it was already part of the temporal power of the bishops of Tortona in the 10th century, and later became the domain of the marquises of Gavi. The castle was then dismantled by the Genoese in 1197, who later made it a fiefdom of the Genoese families of Castagna, Grimaldi, and Di Negro. It was finally attributed to the Spinola and then to the Salvago.
The name ''Carroxium'' first appears in a document from 1144. In this medieval village, a terrible struggle also took place between Charlemagne and Desiderio (king) during the 8th century. During the wars for the Succession of the Monferrato, Carrosio was the scene of violent clashes and in 1625 Carlo Emanuele I achieved a memorable victory over the Genoese, Milanese, and Modenese coalition. Still today, on May 10th, the feast of Madonna della Vittoria Regina di Genova is celebrated to commemorate the victory obtained by the Valligiani of the Alta Valpolcevera.
Passed to the Savoy in 1735, Carrosio became a Duchy of Savoy enclave within the Republic of Genoa, but the fiefdom was abolished in 1798, when the village was the protagonist of a Jacobin revolt against the Piedmontese government.
Symbols
The municipality of Carrosio currently has a coat of arms and a gonfalon granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 1962.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the many buildings that retain their medieval appearance, the Migliorati Gavotti Palace is of particular interest, as Pope Pius VII stayed here during his journey to Fontainebleau. Currently, the palace serves as the town hall. Inside the Parish Church of Assunta, dating back to the 17th century, there is a ''Madonna'' of the school of Anton Maria Maragliano.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Carrosio has remained relatively stable over the years, with about 50 families present in the village.
Administration
The municipality of Carrosio is part of the ''Union of Municipalities'' composed of Carrosio, Parodi Ligure, Fraconalto, and Voltaggio.
Other administrative information
A particular to note is the presence of an official website of the municipality of Carrosio (digilander.libero.it/comune.carrosio), where all administrative activities of the town can be consulted.
Notes
In general, the village of Carrosio leaves a feeling of tranquility and peace, without neglecting its historical and cultural importance.
Other projects
For further information on the history and monuments of Carrosio, one can consult the website ''ilmonferrato.info'' where interesting insights can be found.
