Castellino Tanaro
Discovering Castellino Tanaro: a hillside village
Castellino Tanaro, also known as Castlin Tane in Piedmontese language, is a small municipality located in Piedmont, in the province of Cuneo. With a population of 287, this village is situated in a privileged position, on a hillside terrain, at an altitude of 613 meters above sea level.
The climate of Castellino Tanaro
Castellino Tanaro is part of climatic zone F and has a thermal demand of 3075 degree-days. The current regulations do not limit the use of heating systems.
Origins of the name Castellino Tanaro
The name Castellino Tanaro comes from Late Latin and refers to the ancient fortification located on the hill that overlooks the village. Today, only one tower remains of this historic fortification, which testifies to the Roman presence in this area since at least the 1st century AD.
History of Castellino Tanaro
The exact founding date of Castellino is not known, but archaeological findings attest to the presence of Ancient Rome in these lands. During the Middle Ages, the village was feuded to the Aleramici family of Valperga di Masino, and then became part of the Marquisate of Ceva, before being sold to the Germonio of Piero and Sale. In 1655, Castellino returned under the jurisdiction of Ceva, passing under the Marquises Paolo Antonio and Gerolamo Pallavicino-Ceva.
The last family to have jurisdiction over the village was that of the Vivalda of Mondovì. During the Italian Campaign (1796-1797), in 1799, the village was looted by French troops, despite the determined defense of the Savoy army and the local population.
Also during the Napoleonic campaign, the sortie on May 14, 1799, led by a handful of men commanded by Captain Francolino of Castellino and Surgeon Cerrina of Murazzano, was remarkable. This feat forced the French commander of the fortress of Ceva, Maris, to surrender.
During World War II, Castellino and the surrounding hills were the scene of fierce battles between partisans and Wehrmacht and Italian Social Republic troops, as well as roundups and violence.
In view of these events, Castellino is among the cities decorated for military valor in the Liberation War, having been awarded the Bronze Medal for Military Valor.
Symbols of Castellino Tanaro
The municipal coat of arms of Castellino recalls that of the Marquisate of which it was the seat and was recognized by decree of the President of the Republic on March 16, 1953. It is composed of a blue shield with a silver-molded belt to the three open Ghibelline towers of the field and with a golden five-pointed star in chief.
The municipal standard was granted by decree of the President of the Republic on November 16, 1954 and features a splendid blue fabric, decorated with silver embroideries and loaded with the municipal coat of arms with the inscription centered in silver: "COMUNE DI CASTELLINO TANARO".
Castellino Tanaro is a municipality that, despite being small, has a long history and symbols that recall it, such as the coat of arms and the standard. Its hillside position, climate, and origins of the name make this village a unique and fascinating place.
