Castellania
Castellania Coppi: the hometown of a champion
Castellania Coppi is a commune of 88 inhabitants located on the hills of the province of Alessandria in Piedmont. This small town has become famous all over the world for being the birthplace of Fausto Coppi, one of the greatest cyclists of all time. In this text, we will discover more details about the town of Castellania Coppi and its tourist attractions.
Physical geography
Castellania Coppi covers an area of 7.21 km² and is located on the hills on the right and left bank of the Scrivia river. The highest point of the town is Mount Campo Grande, which reaches 505 meters above sea level. From here, the Ossona stream originates and after 35 km flows into the Scrivia at Tortona.
Origin of the name
The toponym "Castellania" appears only in documents from the 15th century onwards. According to some sources, the name derives from the presence of the fortress of Sant'Alosio, while other sources believe that the name derives from Captain Castellino who married the last descendant of the noble Rampini family, feudal lords of Sant'Alosio and the surrounding lands.
Name change
To celebrate the centenary of Fausto Coppi's birth, the Piedmont Region approved a proposal to modify the name of the commune. Thus, the name of the town became Castellania Coppi, to honor the great champion and his brother Serse Coppi, but also to underline the deep ties of the town with the Coppi family.
Monuments and places of interest
The main attraction of the town is the birthplace of the Coppi brothers. This house has been converted into a museum that attracts large numbers of cycling fans and tourists. In the square in front, a monument to the Coppi brothers has been erected.
In Sant'Alosio, a hamlet of the town of Castellania Coppi, there was an ancient castle, of which only two square-plan towers remain today. This castle was enfeoffed by the bishop of Tortona to the Rampini family, known since the 14th century as the owner of Sant'Alosio and the surrounding lands. The Rampini family obtained an exemption diploma from Gian Galeazzo Visconti for their loyalty to the Ghibelline cause in 1380. The castle was built in the second half of the 13th century, and the oldest tower has a series of hanging arches in terracotta that are very similar to those on the tower of the castle of Novi Ligure built in 1233.
Enrico Rampini, a man of great piety and learning, was born in Sant'Alosio. He was Bishop of Tortona, then of Pavia and Milan, and finally went to Rome where he was appointed Cardinal and died in 1450.
Conclusions
Castellania Coppi is a town that represents an ideal tourist destination for cycling fans and anyone who wants to discover the natural and historical beauty of the province of Alessandria. If you are passionate about cycling, you cannot miss the birthplace of the Coppi brothers, a place full of history and passion for this sport. The town invites all visitors to discover its history and enjoy the beauty of its hills and monuments.
