Castiglione Torinese
Castiglione Torinese: a hillside town in Piedmont
Castiglione Torinese is a town located in the metropolitan city of Turin in Piedmont, northeast of the city. With a population of approximately 6,500 inhabitants, the municipality's territory is predominantly hilly, with the flat part extending between the Po and the wooded hill. The territory is surrounded by numerous streams, including the Rio Maggiore (Turin), which receives the Crivella as a tributary.
Origins of the name
Although there are three municipalities with the same name of Castiglione, the oldest document of this municipality dates back to 1193 and describes it as the ancient "Castellanus." The toponym derives from the diminutive of "Castrum," that is, "Castellum." The current name of the municipality derives from the form "Castiglanus," which first appeared in 1282. The adjective "Torinese" was added by royal decree in 1862.
The history of Castiglione town
The first historical evidence of the town dates back to the first half of the 12th century when the counts of Turin were the lords. In 1164, the territory passed under the rule of the Marquisate of Monferrato, confirmed by Emperor Federico I Barbarossa in 1164.
In the 13th century, the municipality was subjected again to the Marquisate of Monferrato, which marked its borders with the territory of Casa Savoia. The history of Castiglione was conditioned by the disputes between the Marquisate of Monferrato and the Savoia-Acaia.
In 1308, the town came under the protection of Filippo I of Savoia-Acaia, who acquired all the feudal rights from Count Niccolò di Biandrate. Castiglione was then returned to the Marquisate of Monferrato in 1336, which kept it for about a century.
Later, the municipality passed to a series of owners, including Valfredo, who received the feud in 1419. The feud was once again returned to the Savoias but returned to the Marquisate of Monferrato in 1437. The municipality continued to be contested between Savoia and Monferrato until 1631, when the possession of the place was recognized to Duke Vittorio Amedeo I of Savoia following the peace of Cherasco.
Structure of the municipality
Castiglione Torinese does not have a defined urban structure, but it is formed by four main nuclei: "La Rezza," "Pedaggio," "Castiglione Alto," and "San Rocco," in addition to some isolated houses on the sides of the municipal roads. Despite the lack of urban organization, the municipality is a pleasant and welcoming place with a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere.
Conclusions
The municipality of Castiglione Torinese represents an example of a small town in Piedmont characterized by an ancient and fascinating history. Located northeast of Turin, its hillside position offers visitors beautiful panoramic views of the nearby mountains. Castiglione is characterized by its quiet and welcoming atmosphere and its numerous streams and watercourses that offer unforgettable natural landscapes. If you are looking for a corner of peace away from the stress of the city, Castiglione may be the perfect choice for a relaxing vacation in northern Italy.
