Garessio
Garessio: a journey to discover an enchanting town
Garessio is a municipality located in the province of Cuneo, Piemonte, with a population of approximately 2,865 inhabitants. The name derives from the Latin term "Garricus," which means uncultivated land, with the suffix "esce" indicating a passage location. The city still preserves many relics that testify to its millennial history, from prehistory with the Gray and Valdinferno caves to the present day. Its geographical position is very peculiar, as the municipal territory is divided by the Po-Ligurian divide of the Alps, with the villages of Cerisola and Le Volte beyond the divide and regularly connected to Albenga.
Garessio: its millennial history
Garessio boasts a millennial history, with roots in the prehistoric era where stone age men lived inside numerous caves, and with discovered artifacts that testify to the presence of the mountainous Ligurians and the Bagienni tribe that gave trouble to the Romans of the Publilia tribe connected to the Municipium of Albenga. Even today, the Trappa and Mindino slabs, a tomb with earthen pots, the head of the Roman bridge of Piangranone, and other traces from this historical phase are visible. Over the centuries, Garessio underwent numerous sad events, such as plagues, looting, and destruction carried out by Genoese, French, Spanish, and the Napoleonic army during the Risorgimento. Starting in 1814, Garessio came under the Marquisate of Ceva, then returned under the fate of the Savoy with the Risorgimento wars up to the United Kingdom of Italy. In November 1994, the town suffered heavy damages mainly at Borgo Ponte due to a violent flood caused by the Tanaro river and its smaller tributaries.
Garessio: treasures to discover
Despite the passing of centuries and the historical vicissitudes, Garessio boasts a great artistic and cultural heritage that makes it an ideal place for art and history enthusiasts. Among the most important monuments is the Parish Church of San Costanzo, an ancient Christian church built on a Roman sacellum that testifies to the city's religious life since the Middle Ages. Furthermore, the town was decorated with the Military Valor for the Liberation War as it was awarded the Bronze Medal for Military Valour for the sacrifices of its population and its activity in the partisan fighting during World War II. The town is also known for its network of hiking trails that traverse valleys, hills, and forests, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views and reach locations like Valdinferno.
Garessio: Valdinferno and its history
Valdinferno, a village of Garessio, is particularly interesting from a historical point of view, and the name seems to have been attributed by Napoleon Bonaparte, who had to cross the valley towards France in the middle of winter and named it Valley of Hell due to the marshes that he saw burning in the small valley where the village is located, or due to its particularly cold climate. The village was important even in Roman times, as evidenced by the artifacts found in the area, but gained greater importance thanks to the Benedictine monks who inhabited it and made it a religious and cultural reference point for the surrounding area. Today, the village is a charming place where you can admire the natural beauties that surround it and walk through the alleys that still retain traces of a distant past.
Garessio is a place to discover, with natural beauties, artistic treasures, exciting historical events, and unique gastronomic traditions. A journey to discover this enchanting town will be an unforgettable experience!
