Masio
Discovering Masio
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Masio, a small town located in Piedmont, on the right bank of the Tanaro River, with only 1397 inhabitants. But don't be fooled by its size! This place has an interesting past, characterized by the importance of its geographical position.
Ancient history
Masio has ancient origins, dating back to 899. Its name seems to indicate the origin of the toponym from the Latin language "ma(n)sum", which means "dwelling, farmstead". Its importance over the centuries is due to its strategic location, equidistant from important cities such as Turin, Milan and Genoa, and located on the border between the Upper and Lower Monferrato. Furthermore, thanks to the Tanaro River, Masio has been an ideal convergence point for all the valleys and surrounding towns, on both sides of the river. This has made Masio a source of indispensable agricultural and commercial resources for the survival of the town.
Medieval period
In the years around the year one thousand, Masio experienced a series of events of considerable historical relevance that also marked its importance in the medieval period. In 907, for example, the procession of monks who moved the relics of Saint Dalmazzo from Borgo San Dalmazzo to Quargnento crossed the Tanaro at Masio, where a relic of the saint is still preserved today. In 1190, the Consuls of Masio concluded an agreement with Alessandria and Asti granting exemptions from tolls and war aids to both; in return, they obtained exemptions from any tolls for the men of Masio who became citizens of the two major towns by right.
Lords and feudatories
Masio has known several lords and feudatories before reaching its current configuration. In 980, it was enfeofed by the Bishop of Asti to the Visconti di Asti and later passed into the hands of the Valperga and Sforza families. In 1650, it was looted by the French and at the end of the Thirty Years' War, the Governor of Milan reinstated the Valperga in the fief; later, in 1674, the last two Valperga ceded half the fief to Annibale Civalieri and half to Carlo Olivasso.
Masio has therefore experienced a series of events that have marked its history and influenced the territory and life of its inhabitants. Today, the town remains a quiet and welcoming place, just a few steps from important cities in Northern Italy. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy peace and quiet, Masio can be an interesting destination. Come discover its history and timeless charm!
