Felizzano
Welcome to Felizzano: the ancient Piedmontese city
If you are looking for a quiet and pleasant place to immerse yourself in the history of Piedmont, Felizzano is the city for you. Located in the province of Alessandria, Felizzano is a municipality with a population of about 2,100 inhabitants. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the geography, climate, and history of this splendid city.
Physical geography
Territory
The inhabited center of Felizzano is located 114 meters above sea level, on a natural terrace in the Tanaro Valley, surrounded by the hills of Monferrato. Felizzano's territory is characterized by the intersection of various communication routes that have been very important in history: the oldest corresponds to the Tanaro River, navigated since the Neolithic; to it was added, during the Roman era, the Fulvia road, which connected Tortona and Asti and which, in all likelihood, crossed the Tanaro near Felizzano; finally, in the fifteenth century, following the division of the Marquisate of Monferrato into two non-contiguous territories, the "Monferrato free road" was established, which guaranteed the goods of the marquisate a duty-free route through Felizzano.
Climate
Felizzano is characterized by a typical Po Valley climate, with hot and humid summers and cold and foggy winters. The amount of rainfall is measured at around 600 mm annually. In the coldest month of January, the average temperature is around 0°C, while in the hottest month of July, it is around 30°C.
History
Ancient age
The name Felizzano is a clear example of a predial toponym, which during the Roman era was used to indicate a land possession. The use of the cognomen "Felix" in place of a gentilic, however, suggests a late antiquity origin.
Medieval age
The history of Felizzano has its roots in Late Antiquity, but the first historical mentions date back to 880 when the "cortem de filiciano" was donated to the abbots of Milan's Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio by Charles the Fat on the occasion of his coronation as King of Italy. In the second half of the eleventh century, the Corte (Medieval) passed to the Aleramici (presumably by 1085 when it appears among Boniface del Vasto's patrimonial assets ceded to the Marquisate of Monferrato).
Felizzano soon passed into the possessions of Ardizzone I, son of Ottone II of Monferrato, but before 1125, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry V asserted his sole overlordship over "the possessions, goods and titles of Ardizzone's sons" to Marquis Ranieri I of Monferrato. Over the centuries, Felizzano passed from one lord to another and was fortified with a mighty wall and equipped with a hospital entrusted to the Knights Hospitaller, later consecrated to St. Peter according to Pope Alexander III's April 17, 1160, bull.
Things to see
Felizzano still retains many historic buildings worth visiting. Among these, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the sixteenth century, and the Church of San Pietro, dating back to the twelfth century, stand out. Both churches are of great historical and cultural importance to the city. Don't miss the Clock Tower, a historic building overlooking the main square of the city.
Events
Felizzano is a city that loves traditions and celebrates them with a series of events throughout the year. Among these, the festivities in honor of patron Saint John the Baptist, which are held every year at the end of June, and the traditional San Martino market, which takes place every year on November 11, stand out.
Cuisine
Felizzano's cuisine is strongly influenced by Piedmontese tradition. Here you can taste typical Piedmontese dishes like bagna cauda, braised beef in Barolo wine, and polenta concia. In addition, you can't miss the famous Barbera del Monferrato, a prized wine from the Felizzano area.
Conclusions
Felizzano is a charming and historic city, immersed in nature and surrounded by the hills of Monferrato. A visit to Felizzano is a journey through time, discovering ancient traditions and the rich culture of Piedmont. If you have the opportunity to visit this splendid city, you won't regret it.
