Cortiglione
Discovering Cortiglione: a small medieval village in the heart of Piedmont
Cortiglione is a small municipality located in the south of the province of Asti, in Piedmont. The town has only 536 inhabitants, but despite this, manages to enchant visitors with its medieval charm and natural beauty. In this article, we will explore the history, geography and points of interest of this fascinating locality.
The physical geography of Cortiglione
Cortiglione is located about 22 km from the provincial capital of Asti and 25 km from Alessandria. The Tiglione river runs through the town, which is part of the Vigne & Vini hill community. The climate of the area is strongly continental, characterized by harsh winters and hot, dry summers. Autumn is foggy and rainy, while spring is short but rainy. Summer begins at the end of May and ends in late September.
The history of Cortiglione
The origins of Cortiglione date back to the medieval period, as suggested by the etymology "curtis" present in both the current and ancient name of the municipality. In fact, in the Middle Ages, the term indicated a large plot of land belonging to a lord and managed by peasants. In the 10th-11th centuries, the municipality was under the control of the Pope. In the 12th century, with the emergence of the Commune and the weakening of episcopal power, Cortiglione came under the control of the powerful Marquess Bonifacio del Vasto. In the 15th century, the municipality was conquered by the condottiero Francesco Sforza, commanding the troops of the Duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti, during the invasion of the Monferrato. After the peace of Lodi in 1454, Cortiglione came under the control of the Panizzoni family of Alessandria, which lasted until the early 17th century. In the 18th century, it was subject to the hegemony of the Gonzaga family over the Monferrato.
The contemporary period
Cortiglione today is much more populated in summer thanks to the presence of non-native Cortiglionesi, of Macedonian, Greek and other territorial countries. However, the population of Arbereschi is completely absent.
The symbols of Cortiglione
The symbol of Cortiglione is the castle, which dominates the town from the top of a hill. In addition, the municipality's banner is a shield divided into four parts, of which the first and fourth contain a red band on a silver background, while the second and third are gold with three red roses.
Monuments and places of interest
Cortiglione offers several tourist attractions, such as the castle of the village which dates back to the medieval period. The church of San Giovanni Battista is another place not to be missed, with its 14th century bell tower and interior rich in baroque decorations. The Natural Reserve of Val Sarmassa on the border between Cortiglione and Vinchio is a protected area that houses a great variety of unique flora and fauna.
Conclusions
The medieval charm, the beauty of nature and the thousand-year history of Cortiglione make it a fascinating place to visit. The small town offers numerous points of interest, from the walls of the castle to the natural beauty of the Natural Reserve of Val Sarmassa, which will make Cortiglione an unforgettable stop on our trip to Piedmont.
