Monforte d'Alba
Welcome to Monforte d'Alba: a charming town in Piedmont
We welcome you to Monforte d'Alba, a small and charming town in Piedmont with a population of 1955 residents. This place is a hidden gem located in the province of Cuneo and is famous for being one of the towns that produces the renowned Barolo wine.
Origins of the name
The name Monforte d'Alba derives from the ancient castle walls that stood on top of the hill. The term "Mons Fortis" was used to describe this medieval defensive structure.
History
The Cathars
The history of Monforte d'Alba is shrouded in mystery and legend. In 1028, the castle was besieged and taken by the forces of the Archbishop of Milan and the Bishop of Asti. The population, which had turned to the Cathar religion, was deported to Milan and forced to choose between abjuring the Cathar faith in favor of the Catholic one or being condemned to the stake. The majority of the population did not abjure and was burned alive. Following these events, Corso Monforte in Milan was named in memory of these events.
Symbols
One of the symbols of Monforte d'Alba is the coat of arms composed of an oval shield on a blue background, depicting a small hill with a red brick towered castle.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
Monforte d'Alba boasts several churches, including the Church of Madonna della Neve, the parish church, and the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Civil architecture
The Horszowski Auditorium is a civil architecture located in the historic center of the city. It was inaugurated in 1986 by pianist Mieczysław Horszowski and is a natural amphitheater with perfect acoustics. It has hosted numerous concerts, theatrical performances, and film screenings.
Society
Demographic evolution
In recent years, the population of Monforte d'Alba has remained stable around 1955 residents.
Ethnicities and foreign minorities
According to 2017 data, 352 foreign citizens live in Monforte d'Alba. The most represented nationalities are the Republic of Macedonia, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Quality of life
Monforte d'Alba is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and has received the Orange Flag from the Italian Touring Club. This means that the city offers high-quality services, a great attention to local traditions, culture, and nature.
Administration
Below you will find information on the administrations that have succeeded each other in the municipality of Monforte d'Alba.
We are sure that after reading this article, you will be interested in visiting this medieval town and admiring its landscapes, history, and treasures. If you enjoy walking among vineyards, savoring the famous Barolo wine, and enjoying the beauty of the Piedmont hills, then Monforte d'Alba is the perfect destination for you!
