Cortazzone
Cortazzone: History and Legends
Cortazzone, one of the smallest yet most fascinating villages in the province of Asti, has a history that dates back to the 9th century. It is said that the first Lord Azzone, also known as the count of Modena, donated the village to the Bishopric of Pavia in 1094/1095. From then on, the territory fell into the hands of the Monks of the Red Tower of Asti. In 1314, the Pelletta banking family acquired the fief and governed it for almost four centuries. However, there was a brief period of Visconti domination (from 1374 to 1395). Over the centuries, the village passed from one noble family to another, including the descendants of Pelletta, the counts of Favria, and finally, the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus from 1792 to 1860, when the fief was sold in lots.
In addition to its history, Cortazzone is known for its legends and mysteries. One of the most disturbing cases dates back to 1990 when the parish priest Don Guglielmo Alessio was brutally murdered.
Symbols of Cortazzone
The coat of arms and the banner of Cortazzone were granted in 1996 by the President of the Republic. The coat of arms is composed of a red shield with the figure of a crenellated silver tower above a gold field. Under the tower, there is a silver crescent moon (symbol of Saint Ambrose) on a blue background. In the lower part, there are three silver roses on a blue background.
Church of San Secondo
The Church of San Secondo is one of the landmarks of the village. Located in the capital, the church is dedicated to the patron saint of the village, San Secondo. The current structure dates back to the 18th century, but its origin is much older. The current form of the church was completed in 1761 on an ancient Romanesque building from 1100.
Church of San Secondo di Mongiglietto
The Church of San Secondo di Mongiglietto is one of the oldest and most mysterious places of worship in Italy. It is located on a small hill at 241 meters above sea level. The first document attesting to the existence of this ancient temple dates back to 1041, but the current building is decidedly older than that period. An interesting hypothesis proposes that the name Mongiglietto may derive from "Mons Jovis" or "Mons luvilium" which dates back to the Celtic language and indicates the place of worship of Jupiter or a sacred place dedicated to joy.
In any case, the Church of San Secondo di Mongiglietto has great historical and cultural significance. In fact, the site was perhaps already considered sacred during the pre-Christian era due to its elevated position and the fact that Celtic cults were connected to nature.
Cortazzone, thanks to its history, the beauty of its monuments, and the surrounding nature, is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to know the true soul of the Piedmont area.
