Cigliano
Cigliano: Greetings from the Province of Vercelli
Hello everyone! Today I want to take you on a journey to discover Cigliano, a town of 4297 inhabitants in the province of Vercelli, in Piedmont. We are in the plain to the left of the Dora Baltea river, with the lowest point touching the riverbank (190 meters) while the town center is located at an altitude of 237 meters.
Ancient History of Cigliano
We are facing a territory that appears to have been inhabited in Roman times, but ancient presences of populations such as Ligurians, Taurini, Salassi, Libui, Victimulae, and even Celts are not excluded. In fact, many interesting archaeological findings have been discovered on the territory, such as coins bearing the depictions of various Roman emperors (Julius Caesar, Augustus, Trajan, Hadrian, Alexander Severus, Valerian, Marcus Aurelius Probus, Maximian, and Constantine I), dating back to a period between the 3rd century BC and the 4th century AD.
Among the archaeological findings discovered in the territory are a Roman dagger and other military objects, but the most significant discovery is undoubtedly the stone sarcophagus containing the mortal remains of Taiae Casticia, who was perhaps the sister of Castico, king of the Sequani (an ancient people inhabiting Gaul) and wife of Caius Antonius Ianinianus, and daughter-in-law of the famous Mark Antony, known as Creticus.
Caius Antonius Ianianus, son of the brave Mark Antony, served in the troops of Julius Caesar during the conquest of Gaul. After conquering the kingdom of the Sequani, Taiae Casticia and Caius Antonius moved to the village of "Cisuliacum" (ancient Roman name of Cigliano), where Caius Antonius was appointed commander of the military garrison located there to defend the ford on the Dora Baltea river.
But Taiae Casticia died shortly after her arrival, and the desperate Caius Antonius asked to be transferred to fight in the Balkans, where he too later met his death following a political conspiracy. Today, the sarcophagus of Taiae Casticia is exhibited at the Leone Museum in Vercelli.
From the Middle Ages to the Present Day
The first written document mentioning Cigliano is the "Diploma of Charles the Fat," dated 882 AD, in which the emperor lists the "Curtis de Cisiliano" among the lands returned to the Bishop of Vercelli. During the Middle Ages, the people of Cigliano always refused to be feudalized, even paying heavy tributes to remain free.
However, in the early years of the 17th century, Carlo Emanuele di Savoia-Carignano granted the village to the Villa marquises.
Today, Cigliano is a quiet residence located amid rice fields and wheat fields but is also a growing center with various commercial, artisanal, and service activities that make it a center of particular interest.
What to See in Cigliano
If you decide to visit Cigliano, I can assure you that the city will provide you with several surprises. The surrounding area is rich in nature, with numerous excursions that you can take on beautiful green paths.
The city also has some churches, such as the church of San Giacomo Maggiore and the church dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and Rocco. Both are very interesting, with medieval architectures suitable for those who love history and art.
There is also a culinary tradition to discover, especially if you are a lover of traditional Italian cuisine. Among the traditional dishes from the area, I recommend trying the "carmagnola" risotto (with sausage and lard) and the "bagna cauda" (a sauce based on garlic, anchovies, and extra-virgin olive oil).
A Place to Discover
Cigliano is a peaceful and relaxing place, ideal for those who want a break from big cities and want to spend a few days away from the stress of daily life. The territory offers many opportunities for leisure and historical-cultural interest, and I am convinced that Cigliano can become an unforgettable memory for you. I'm waiting for you for a journey through the beauties of the province of Vercelli.
