Cocconato
Cocconato: a picturesque town in Piedmont
Cocconato, also known as Coconà in Piedmontese or Cocnà in Monferrato dialect, is a town in the Asti province of Piedmont, Italy. With a population of approximately 1,425 inhabitants, Cocconato was the main center of the Radicati feudal family of Manfredinghi origin in the Middle Ages and was the seat of an imperial fiefdom until 1586. Today, it is part of the diocese of Casale Monferrato.
History
During World War II, Cocconato played an important role in the confinement of non-Italian Jews from Eastern Europe. The anti-fascist Giovanni Corvi was arrested by the republicans in Sondrio and later taken by the Nazis and transferred to an "unknown destination," as attested by the death certificate found after a long search at the Cocconato town hall.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of Cocconato were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on November 19, 1999. The municipal coat of arms is inspired by that of the Radicati family, counts of Cocconato, who bore a divided shield: the first black, with a golden, crowned eagle, the second gold, with a natural uprooted chestnut tree (heraldry). The flag consists of a blue cloth.
Landmarks
Among the historical buildings of Cocconato, we find the town hall dating back to the 15th century, which represents a rare example of late Gothic-style civil building, the 17th-century church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, dedicated to Santa Maria della Consolazione, and the church of SS. Trinità located at the beginning of Via Roma.
Society
Demographics
The population of Cocconato has remained relatively stable in recent years and at the end of 2020, it amounted to approximately 1,425 inhabitants.
Traditions and folklore
An important historical event in Cocconato is the Palio degli Asini, established in the summer of 1970 by the Cocconato patronal association. The Palio involves the six villages of Cocconato: Airali, Brina, Colline Magre, San Carlo, Torre, Tuffo, to which the neighboring village of Moransengo is added.
Economy
Tourism has become an important component of Cocconato's local economy. In 2019, Cocconato was associated with "The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy," a national recognition that rewards Italian villages with great cultural, historical, and environmental value.
Infrastructure and Transport
The Cocconato station, located along the defunct Chivasso-Asti railway, was active from 1912 to 2011.
Administration
In this section, a table will be presented that lists the administrations that have followed one another in the town of Cocconato.
Twinning
Cocconato currently has no twinning relationships with other cities.
Other administrative information
Cocconato was the capital of the Union of Versa Astigiano hill community.
In conclusion, Cocconato is a picturesque Italian town with an important medieval history and a rich cultural heritage. The city is a jewel of Piedmont and deserves to be visited. The Palio degli Asini is a unique annual event that represents an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local atmosphere of Cocconato and to appreciate its rich history and traditions.
