Monesiglio

Greetings and introduction

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Monesiglio, a delightful Piedmontese town with a very interesting history and cultural heritage.

History

Monesiglio: history and monuments between Ligurians and Romans.

Origins

The roots of Monesiglio go back to ancient Italian history. In fact, the town dates back to the 2nd century BC and was inhabited by the Ligurian Stazielli. Their rule came to an end in 172 BC when they were conquered by the Romans. However, this proved to be an advantage for the town, as the Romans improved the transportation routes.

Monuments and places of interest

Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Acqua Dolce

One of the most significant places of interest in Monesiglio is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Acqua Dolce, also called the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Biagio. It is located on the left bank of the Bormida River and is a notable example of archaic Romanesque architecture. It has recently been restored and is therefore in excellent condition.

The facade of the sanctuary is a gable with hanging arches interspersed with pilasters that also decorate the upper section of the clearstory. In addition, three semicircular apses complete the building.

The interior has three naves and is supported by pillars that were remodeled in the Baroque era. Among the most valuable elements are the Romanesque-Byzantine frescoes placed on the central apse. They depict a Pantocrator Christ surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists.

Castle of the Caldera

The Castle of the Caldera is another place of great historic and architectural interest in Monesiglio. It was built in 1221 and later renovated in the 17th century. It belonged to the noble Caldera family, which obtained the title of counts in the 16th century. Like most medieval castles, it is located in a strategic and dominant position.

Conclusions

Here is a brief overview of the places of interest in Monesiglio! I hope my words have piqued your curiosity and that you feel the desire to discover this little Piedmontese gem. Remember to visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Acqua Dolce and the Castle of the Caldera: their beauty will leave you speechless!

Irene Mariani
Wrote by Irene Mariani
Updated Thursday, Oct 27, 2022