Montechiaro d'Asti
Montechiaro d'Asti: The birthplace of Pope Francis and St. John Bosco
Located in Piedmont, Montechiaro d'Asti is a town of 1276 inhabitants that is part of the Union of the Hill Community Val Rilate. The town is famous for being the birthplace of Pope Francis' paternal great-grandfather and St. John Bosco's grandmother. In this article, we will explore the origins of the name Montechiaro, its monuments and places of interest, its society, culture, and transportation infrastructure.
Origins of the name
The name Montechiaro derives from Latin "Mons Clarus," whose reason is said to be linked to the rather clear color of the soil. However, there is no historical evidence to support this.
Monuments and places of interest
Montechiaro d'Asti boasts numerous churches of historical and artistic value, including the Church of San Nazario and San Celso, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Pisenzana, the Church of Santa Caterina, the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Confraternity Church of the SS. Annunziata, the Confraternity Church of Sant'Anna, the Church of San Antonino, and the Chapel of San Defendente and San Rocco.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Montechiaro d'Asti has been constantly decreasing in recent years. In 1981, there were 2128 inhabitants, while in 2019 there were only 1198.
Ethnic groups and foreign minorities
According to ISTAT data as of December 31, 2014, the resident foreign population was 139 people, representing 10.7% of the resident population. The nationalities most represented were Romania, Albania, Morocco, and India.
Culture
Montechiaro d'Asti is part of the municipalities participating in the Palio di Asti, an ancient festival that culminates on the first Sunday in September with the horse race "a pelo," meaning without a saddle, in Piazza Alfieri in Asti. The participants, or confraternities, are 21 in total, including 7 municipalities in the Asti area and 14 districts and villages in the city. Montechiaro won the Palio in 1981.
Furthermore, every year since 1988, in November, the National Fair of Tuber magnatum is held, with exhibitions and tastings of the product in Piazza.
Infrastructure and transportation
The Montechiaro d'Asti station was activated in 1912 along the ceased Chivasso-Asti railway, whose operation was definitively suspended in 2011. Between 1882 and 1915, Montechiaro d'Asti was served by the Asti-Cortanze tram.
Administration
Below is a table of the administrations that have succeeded in this town.
Twinning
Montechiaro d'Asti currently does not have any twinning with other municipalities.
Conclusion
Montechiaro d'Asti is an enchanting village in Piedmont, famous for its churches of historical and artistic interest, the Palio di Asti, and the White Truffle Fair. Despite a decrease in population in recent years, the town still maintains its charm and beauty, making it attractive for tourists who wish to discover the hidden treasures of the Asti territory.
