Cassine
Cassine: history and territory
Cassine is a small Italian municipality located in the province of Alessandria, in Piedmont. This area has been very important since Roman times, but its history dates back to the 10th century, when the territory was part of the diocese of Acqui.
Throughout history, Cassine has been contested between various powers, such as the Marquis of Monferrato and the municipality of Alessandria, which conquered and completely destroyed it in 1231. In the following years, the village was subjected to sieges and occupations by various armies, including those of Charles V of Habsburg and the French.
It was only in 1707, when Cassine came under the dominion of the Savoy, that its political situation stabilized, becoming a peaceful municipality.
Symbols of Cassine
Like every municipality, Cassine has its symbols. The town's coat of arms was granted by royal decree in 1930 and the banner in 1934.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite being a small town, Cassine has a very interesting historical and artistic heritage. Starting from the Church of San Francesco, dating back to the 13th-14th century. This Gothic-style building has a decorated terracotta facade with hanging arches and a strombated doorway. Inside, there are frescoes from the 14th to the 16th century and an important wooden crucifix from the late 15th century. The church represents one of the most important medieval churches in Piedmont.
Among the monuments of Cassine, we cannot forget Palazzo Zoppi, dating back to the 14th century, once a fortress and then transformed into a residential palace by the family that owned the feudal village. Inside, there are 15th-century frescoes representing the Gioco della Palma, hunting and bird hunting scenes. In the main courtyard of the palace, archaeological artifacts from Acqui Terme and Libarna are also preserved.
Casa Arcasio is another architectural complex of Cassine of remarkable interest, dating back to the Middle Ages, which features a courtyard with a late Renaissance portico and loggia and a 16th-century portal. In the 19th century, a square-based tower was added, which was used as a meteorological observatory.
In addition, there are other minor noble palaces, noble families such as Casa Pietrasanta, Casa Buzzi-Pietrasanta, Casa Delfante, Casa Cuttica Mazzoleni, Casa Siria, Casa Porri, Casa Pero, Casa Guerrina, Casa Gambarotta, Casa Pellazza, Casa Trotti, Casa Torri, Casa Scazzola, Palazzo Pellizzari, and Casa Abborati.
The Convent of the Capuchin Minor Friars, located where the castle destroyed by the French in 1644 once stood, dates back to the 17th century. After various ownership changes, today it is privately owned by a winery.
Luigi Tenco, the Cassine singer-songwriter
Cassine can boast of having given birth to one of the greatest Italian singer-songwriters: Luigi Tenco. Born in 1938, Tenco achieved success from his first participation in the Sanremo Festival in 1962, with the song "Amore Perduto." His sudden death in 1967 represented a great loss for the Italian music scene.
In summary, Cassine is a municipality with a great historical and artistic heritage, which stands out for the Church of San Francesco, Palazzo Zoppi, and Casa Arcasio, as well as the wonderful Convent of the Capuchin Minor Friars. Last but not least, Cassine has given birth to one of the greatest Italian singer-songwriters, Luigi Tenco.
