Mongardino
Mongardino: A Small Hill Town in Piedmont
Mongardino is a picturesque town of about 874 inhabitants located in the province of Asti, in the heart of the wine region of Piedmont. The town is completely hilly, and most of its slopes are cultivated with Vitis vinifera, the main grape variety of the area. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover this fascinating town.
Physical Geography
The surrounding landscape of Mongardino is a delightful combination of hills, valleys, and woods. The town's territory is completely hilly, and most of its slopes are covered with vineyards. Apart from the Vitis vinifera cultivations, there are also wooded areas and Corylus avellana cultivations. The urban center develops on the top of the hills, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.
History
Mongardino has an ancient and fascinating history. The territory was inhabited by the Ligurians in ancient times and subsequently by the Roman civilization. After suffering invasions by the Visigoths, the area came under the control of the Lombards and then the Franks. Mongardino was part of the County of Asti in the High Middle Ages and passed under the control of different dynasties, including the Orleanists and the Viscontis. It was then ceded to Emperor Charles V of Habsburg and subsequently to the Savoy dynasty, being part of the various incarnations of the Savoy state until the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Mongardino is a town full of monuments and places of interest. Among these, one can admire different religious architectures, including:
- The Parish Church dedicated to the saints Saint Vincent of Saragossa and John the Baptist;
- The Sacred Mountain, which is located on Mount Saint Antonio and consists of eighteen chapels of the Via Crucis;
- The Sanctuary dedicated to Mary (mother of Jesus), located in the homonymous fraction, built in 1706.
Society
In the last hundred years, the population of Mongardino has practically halved, going from about 1600 inhabitants to the current 874. Despite this, the local community is very active, and the town hosts many cultural and social events throughout the year.
Culture
Mongardino's gastronomy boasts some local specialties, including a traditional sweet called "Mon," which means "brick" in Piedmontese. This sweet is similar to tiramisu but more compact, with layers of white and black creams on a base of savoiardi biscuits softened with Marsala (wine), rum, or coffee and enriched with bitter chocolate, gianduia, and chopped hazelnuts. Furthermore, local wineries produce excellent red wines, including Barbera and Grignolino, which are among the most cultivated grape varieties in the area.
Economy
Mongardino is primarily an agricultural town, where wine production represents the main economic resource. The cultivation of Vitis vinifera is widespread in the area, and the town boasts some of the best wine producers in the region. Barbera and Grignolino are the most widespread and appreciated grape varieties, but Nebbiolo and other grape varieties are also present in the area.
In conclusion, Mongardino is a fascinating and characteristic town, where the beauty of the landscape blends with tradition and history. The town is a real jewel of Piedmont, an ideal destination for nature and good food lovers.
