Cerrina Monferrato
Cerrina, a Piedmontese municipality
Cerrina is a small Italian municipality of 1,389 inhabitants located in the province of Alessandria, in Piedmont. The town is about 22 kilometers from Casale Monferrato and is part of the Union of Municipalities of Val Cerrina. In this article, we will explore the origins of the name, the history, and the interesting monuments of Cerrina.
Origins of the name
The name of the town could derive from the Lombard word "Cerradallum," which means "place rich in oaks". However, we are not certain of this theory.
History
The territory of the municipality of Cerrina was part of the vast property of the Abbey of Santa Maria di Lucedio until 706. Subsequently, it belonged to the archdiocese of Vercelli and then to the Marchesato del Monferrato. Only in 1793, the town was annexed to the domains of Casa Savoia.
The hamlets of Montalero and Rosingo were autonomous municipalities until 1928.
Symbols
The emblem of the municipality of Cerrina was granted by a royal decree on May 8, 1933.
The hamlet of Montalero had its emblem until its annexation to the municipality of Cerrina in 1928: "quartered: in the first, gold, an eagle in black, crowned with the same; in the second, gold, a cross that crosses and is fleur-de-lis in red."
Monuments and places of interest
Montalero Castle
One of the most interesting monuments in Cerrina is Montalero Castle. Built around the year 1000 as a fortified house overlooking the Cerrina Valley, the castle underwent many adaptations and renovations over the centuries. In 1388, the local lords, the Montaleri, were invested in the manor and took their name from the same place. After various family and financial vicissitudes, the castle passed to the Alessandrina family of Calcamuggi in 1795 and, finally, to the Mietto family of Casale Monferrato. Today, the castle has been renovated by the Mietto brothers and turned into an antique gallery and restaurant. Among the ancient parts of the building, an elegant well in the courtyard and a fresh park stand out.
Society
Demographic evolution
The number of inhabitants of Cerrina has gradually increased over the years. In 1861, the town had only 835 inhabitants, but in 2019 the number had risen to 1,389.
Administration
Below is a table of the administrations that have succeeded in the municipality of Cerrina.
Image gallery
Below are some images of Cerrina and Montalero Castle.
<gallery> File:232 Cerrina.jpg|The town of Cerrina seen from Pozzengo File:Castello della frazione di Montalero.JPG|View of Montalero Castle from the hamlet File:Montalero.jpg|View of Montalero from the hamlet of Fontanina </gallery>Conclusion
Cerrina is a picturesque and peaceful town with an interesting history and cultural heritage to discover. From the traces of Lombard origins to the majestic structure of Montalero Castle, the town has many wonders to offer visitors. If you are planning a trip to Piedmont, do not miss the opportunity to visit this hidden gem of the province of Alessandria.
