Mallare
Hello Mallare! Let's discover this Ligurian municipality together
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Mallare, a municipality located in Liguria, in the province of Savona, with a population of 1066 inhabitants. Mallare is also known as Malle'o Molre in the Alta Val Bormida dialects, Màllae in Ligurian language, and Mälre in Piedmontese language.
Physical geography
Mallare is located in the Val Bormida, where the Biterno and Cravarezza streams merge to form the Bormida di Mallare stream, near Mount Alto (954 m). The municipal territory has a minimum altitude of 401 meters and a maximum altitude of 1001 meters above sea level. Other waterways in the area include the Merlino and Fobè rivers.
History
Mallare has a long history. The toponym Mallare derives from the term ''malula'' or ''malulae'' (a diminutive of mala, small apple) due to the presence of apple trees in the area. A pagan temple dating back to the Roman Empire can still be seen today inside the sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Eremita.
From the 10th century, the territory was included in the Aleramici of Aleramo del Monferrato and later divided into two parts administered by the sons Ottone I of Monferrato and Anselmo I. In 1091 it became the possession of Bonifacio del Vasto and subsequently inherited by his son Enrico I Del Carretto in 1142. From 1393, the fiefdom of Mallare was ceded to the Marquess of Monferrato, who invested it in the same Del Carretto family.
The Carretto family built prestigious buildings such as the feudal palace and the count's house. In 1268, the third of Millesimo comprising the village of Mallare passed to Corrado Del Carretto upon the death of his father Giacomo Del Carretto. The feudal investiture was also confirmed by the Sovereigns of Mantua in 1536.
The Carretto family sold the Mallarese fief to the Marquess Spinola on October 14, 1590, and to Count Cattaneo from 1669. The future Doge (Republic of Genoa) Giovanni Battista Cattaneo Della Volta administered the territory of Mallare from 1672 to 1677 on behalf of the underage cousin Count Filippo. During this period, there was a new rebirth of Mallare and its local economy, aimed at the production of fossil coal, wood, and iron in the forges.
Sold the feudal rights and assets in 1703 to the Duke of Mantua and Monferrato, the territory of Mallare was subjected from 1708 to the Duchy of Savoy, becoming an integral part of the Kingdom of Sardinia (1324-1720).
Traditions and culture
Mallare boasts several traditions and religious festivals throughout the year. One of the most important celebrations is the Feast of San Guglielmo, which is celebrated every year on June 25th. Most Mallare inhabitants are Catholic Christians, and the town has several churches where the faithful gather to pray and celebrate mass.
Mallare also has a rich culinary tradition, with typical dishes such as cheese focaccia, farinata, pesto, and homemade desserts such as pies and biscuits.
Economy
Mallare has a strong agricultural economy and produces fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and olive oil. Fossil coal, wood, and iron are also produced in the forges. In the past, Mallare was an important center for the production of fossil coal, but now the coal industry has largely disappeared.
Tourist attractions
Mallare offers several tourist attractions for visitors. The church of Santa Maria dell'Eremita is a beautiful church dating back to the 10th century and houses the pagan temple we mentioned earlier. The sanctuary of Madonna della Neve is another important church, where mass is celebrated every Sunday.
Mallare also has beautiful natural landscapes, such as Mount Alto (954 m), which offers breathtaking views of the valley. There are also several walks and hiking trails available for nature lovers.
Conclusions
In summary, Mallare is a beautiful municipality located in Liguria, with a rich history, a strong agricultural economy, and several tourist attractions for visitors. If you are in this area, why not visit Mallare to discover its beauty and culture?
