Dronero
Welcome to Dronero: a brief introduction
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Dronero, an Italian municipality located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. Are you ready to explore this beautiful area? Then sit back and prepare to be amazed by its natural beauty.
Dronero is located at the entrance of the Valle Maira and extends on a rocky ridge, where the Maira and Roccabruna streams meet. The view from here embraces the peaks of Mount San Bernardo, Monte Roccerè, Pelvo d'Elva, Cauri, Bicocca, and Monte Chersogno. You can't wait to visit this breathtaking place.
The history of Dronero
Let's now talk about the history of Dronero. The first populations living in the valleys of the Maritime Alps were of Celtic-Ligurian or Alpine Ligurian lineage. In the time of Gaius Julius Caesar, the tribes of the Western Alps, including the Ligures Comati or Capillati, remained hostile to Roman expansionism.
It was only with a real military campaign led by Emperor Augustus in 14 BC that the Romans managed to subdue all the territories of the Western Alps that still resisted. Thus the "Pax Romana" reached the Maritime Alps, but at a dear price for the inhabitants of the region.
The exact date of the founding of Dronero is not known, but it is believed to have taken place in 1150 from the union of two villages, Ripoli and Surzana, which were forced to retreat to a triangle of land between the Maira and Rigamberto streams to protect themselves from raids and looting. They then built a new village surrounded by high walls, some of which are still visible.
The first document referring to Dronero dates back to 1155 and is a sale of some buildings by Enrico di Montemale di Cuneo to the Abbey of Staffarda. This document attests to the importance that the new settlement already had a few years after its foundation.
The etymology of the name Dronero
Have you ever wondered what the name Dronero means? Its etymology is not entirely clear, but there are several hypotheses. According to some historians, the name refers to a nobleman from the family of the lords of Verzuolo called Dragone, who is said to have been the founder of the city. Others hypothesize that Dronero derives from "Dragonerium", from the Latin "Draconanus", which indicated the soldier who carried the dragon insignia. It is thought that during the Gothic-Byzantine wars in the area, there was a military settlement.
Visiting Dronero
Now that you know a bit about the history of Dronero and have discovered the meaning of its name, are you ready to visit this area? There are certainly plenty of things to do and see.
You can admire the Castle of Dronero, built in the twelfth century and renovated over the centuries. It is a beautiful example of medieval military architecture. Walking through its rooms and courtyards, you will feel transported into the past.
If you are interested in sacred art, do not miss the Church of San Gaudenzio and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, respectively from the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries, both located in breathtaking panoramic positions.
Alternatively, you could take a trip to the nearby Valle Maira, which offers countless hiking trails. You can discover its mysterious frescoed churches, its numerous lakes and waterfalls, and admire the landscape endlessly.
Finally, do not forget to taste Dronero's typical dish, "bagna cauda", a sauce made with garlic, anchovies, and olive oil, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. You will be conquered by its unique flavor.
Conclusions
We have come to the end of this brief guide to Dronero. I hope I have made you discover the most interesting aspects of this Piedmontese municipality and made you want to visit it. You won't regret it because its natural beauty and ancient history will fascinate you. See you soon!
