Cunico
Exploring Cunico: a journey to discover the Piedmontese municipality
Cunico, also known as ''Cùni'' or ''Cùnich'' in Piedmontese, is a municipality in the province of Asti in Piedmont. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover this small town through its geographical features, history, symbols, society, and anthropic geography.
Physical geography
Cunico is located on the northwest end of Monferrato, and its territory covers almost 7 square kilometers with a typical hilly conformation that alternates cultivated areas with wooded areas.
History
The first settlements in the current territory of Cunico were places of passage for a Roman road that connected several cities, linked upstream by the Po river. Cunico probably arose as a changing station between the various cities. The first historical references to the territory and the name of Cunico date back to the 10th century, as can be read in the news regarding San Martino and Ponengo.
It would take about a hundred years before the Lords of Cunico became part of the age-old dispute between the great Italian feudal families and the Saxon emperors. The support of these Lords to Arduino, king of Italy, caused the confiscation of their lands by Emperor Henry II the Bavarian in 1014, who gave them to the Bishop of Vercelli, Leone.
In 1164, Cunico was delivered by Frederick I Barbarossa, together with Montiglio, to the Marquises of Monferrato, whose fortunes it would follow in the centuries to come.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Cunico was granted, along with the municipal banner, by decree of the President of the Republic on April 26, 1954.
Society
Cunico, with its 452 inhabitants, has undergone a strong decrease in the resident population in the last century, starting from 1911. However, the community is still active and dynamic.
Anthropical geography
In addition to the main nucleus, Cunico includes ten other localities scattered on the hills and in the surrounding valleys. The localities of Bricco Forca, Case Graglia, Case Negro, Castelletto, Lustra, Ronco, Stazione, Valcroce, Vallera, and Vallera sul Bricco contribute to enriching the tourist offer of the territory of Cunico, also thanks to their proximity to important naturalistic paths of Monferrato.
In general, the attractions of the municipality of Cunico are numerous and interesting. In addition to the fascinating history and the extraordinary natural beauty of the Monferrato hills, there are several churches that are worth a visit, such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of San Marziano and the Church of the SS. Trinity.
In conclusion, Cunico can be defined as a small winding village, characterized by its hilly conformation and the cultural richness that comes from the ancient history of the territory. A municipality that deserves to be visited and discovered for its beauty and its historical and natural treasures.
