Marene
Marene: a historical and charming place in Piedmont
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about a place that struck me for its beauty and history, Marene. It is a town in the province of Cuneo, located along the road that connects Cuneo to Turin, passing through Savigliano. The village is located in a mainly flat area, dedicated to agriculture and the cultivation of cereals. This area has great historical importance because it was the only outlet from the Piedmont plain to the sea of the Riviera di Ponente, crossing the Val Roia and the Colle di Tenda.
The history of Marene
The origin of Marene is very ancient and seems to date back to the 6th and 7th centuries when this place was a Roman outpost. During the 10th century, Marene was the scene of numerous raids by Saracens and Hungarians, which prevented its development.
The first official mention of Marene dates back to 1028 when the Monastery of San Pietro di Savigliano was founded and many small municipalities in the Cuneo area were mentioned, including Marene. In 1078, Countess Adelaide conferred the dominion over the lands and castle of Marene to Alberto di Sarmatorio.
During the 13th century, a new urban nucleus was added to the pre-existing one, and in 1225 the territory passed under the municipality of Savigliano. The ecclesiastical jurisdiction, however, belonged to the Archdiocese of Turin.
Marene suffered many vicissitudes related to wars: in 1360, for example, the passage of the troops of Count Amedeo VI of Savoy caused serious damage to the inhabited area and the population. The same happened in 1522-1525 when the army of Emperor Charles V of Habsburg passed through Marene.
In 1629, a violent epidemic struck Marene, causing the death of over half of the population. Later, the looting of Cardinal Richelieu's soldiers further worsened living conditions.
In 1690, Marene experienced a serious economic crisis due to the alliances of Giacomo and Stefano Turchi, local lords who wanted to free Piedmont from the rule of the Savoys. After the secession failed, Marene obtained the dignity of a "separate community" from the municipality of Savigliano.
The following period was characterized by demographic and architectural growth of the urban nucleus. The parish church was rebuilt, the royal road and the road to Savigliano were widened, and the Galvagno and Gallina palaces were built.
In 1799, the territory was affected by a violent battle between the Napoleonic army and the Austro-Russian one. The passage under Napoleonic rule involved the elimination of 163 Piedmontese day expropriated from religious institutions and forcibly sold. The diocese passed from the jurisdiction of Turin to that of Saluzzo.
What to see in Marene
Marene is a place full of charm and history. Among the most interesting buildings are the parish church, dedicated to St. Andrew, which preserves a valuable Baroque altar and the late Romanesque bell tower; the chapel of San Sebastiano, with an interesting fresco decoration; and the church of San Rocco, which houses an eighteenth-century wooden altar.
Don't miss the suggestive Tower of Marene, an ancient fortress of which only a part remains today: the real tower, eight meters high and of quadrangular shape, built of local stone.
What to do in Marene
Marene is an ideal place for those who love nature and relaxation. The area is rich in cycling routes, ideal for a bike ride through the Cuneo countryside. In addition, the proximity of the Colle di Tenda and the Riviera di Ponente makes Marene an ideal starting point for excursions in nature.
The village is also famous for its cuisine: don't miss the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of Piedmontese tradition, such as bagna cauda and raw meat beaten with a knife.
Conclusion
Here is my brief guide to Marene, a place of ancient and evocative history, immersed in the beauty of the Piedmontese countryside. I hope I have intrigued you enough to urge you to visit this special place, where you can breathe the air of history and nature, taste the flavors of the area and enjoy a well-deserved relaxation.
