Gamalero
Welcome to Gamalero, a small town with a long history
Welcome to Gamalero, a Piemontese town with a rich and varied history. This small town, with only 837 inhabitants, is located in the province of Alessandria in Piemonte and has ancient origins. Let's begin exploring its history with the section "Origins".
Origins
The name "Gamalero" has uncertain origins, but it is believed to derive from the concept of "hump" as the town is situated on two nearby hills. The first mention of Gamalero dates back to the Roman conquest period in 109 BC, when it was likely a lookout settlement to defend the road to Acqui Terme.
13th century
In 978, Gamalero came under the control of the bishop of Acqui Terme and was included in his diocese. In the course of the 13th century, the town followed the fate of Alessandria, as it was located nearby. However, the settlement's low importance and poverty are reflected in the fact that there are few historical sources on this period.
14th century
In the 14th century, the Ghibellines allied themselves with Marco I Visconti, lord of Milan, and captured Gamalero. In 1403, the town returned to the hands of the Guelphs and was burned by the Ghibellines of Facino Cane.
15th century
In 1438, Filippo Maria Visconti enfeoffed Gamalero to Ghilini, his secretary, who obtained the rights to all taxes, the salt toll, and tolls for the transit of goods. In 1447, after the death of Filippo Maria Visconti, Francesco Sforza married his only natural daughter, Bianca Maria, and obtained the Duchy of Milan. In 1450, the Ghilini brothers returned to enfeoff Gamalero, but in 1462 Francesco Sforza enfeoffed the town to Gentile Simonetta. In 1477, Gian Galeazzo Sforza confirmed the rights to Gamalero to brothers Pietro Francesco and Chichino Simonetta. In 1480, the fief returned to the Ducal Chamber, while in 1498 Ludovico il Moro enfeoffed Gamalero to Francesco Bernardino Visconti.
Modern-day Gamalero
Today, Gamalero is a quiet town with a rich and interesting history. The town has retained many of its architectural and cultural elements from the past, such as the Church of San Lorenzo and the old Town Hall. The Church of San Lorenzo is a Romanesque building dating back to the 13th century, which preserves frescoes from the 15th century and a bell tower from the 16th century. The old Town Hall, on the other hand, is a building dating back to the medieval complex of house-tower that was located next to the church.
Gamalero is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and wanting to enjoy the beauty of the Piemonte hills. The surrounding landscape is characterized by vineyards, olive trees, and lush forests, which offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and cycling.
In summary, Gamalero may seem like a small and unpretentious town, but its history is rich in interesting events that make it a fascinating place to visit and discover. If you are looking for a calm and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Piemonte, Gamalero is definitely a place to consider.
