Monticelli d'Ongina
Monticelli d'Ongina: a journey through time to discover its history
Hello everyone! Today I'll take you on a journey to discover the history of Monticelli d'Ongina, a town in the province of Piacenza in Emilia-Romagna. Get ready to uncover the hidden secrets of this beautiful village!
Prehistory and Roman era
Let's start by going back about 7000 years, when the area was already inhabited. At that time, the course of the Po river was very different from the current one and the territory was characterized by marshes and "Monticelli" of sand, which is the origin of the town's name. Before being subjugated by the Romans, the territory saw the succession of Arii, Pelasgi, Etruscans, and Galli Boi. The foundation of the town dates back to 163 B.C., when Roman soldiers, headed for the conquest of Cisalpine Gaul, built a camp there. The area was reclaimed nearly fifty years later.
The Cremonese period
In 774 A.D., Charlemagne, king of the Franks, donated this territory to the Bishop of Cremona. In 914, the village was divided between the dioceses of Cremona and Piacenza, but the territory was the subject of dispute for over two centuries. In the 12th century, the medieval commune of Cremona took over the territories that until then had belonged to the diocese, including Monticelli. The toponym "Ongina" derives its name from one of the members of the Cremonese Bonifaci family.
The Pallavicino family
Among the families linked to the Emperor and the Milanese Dukes, the Ghibelline Pallavicino family erected an autonomous feudal state between Cremona, Parma, and Piacenza. The greatest development of this state is linked to the figure of Rolando il Magnifico, also known as "the Magnificent". It was then that the Rocca (fortress) was built in Monticelli, a witness to the political prestige, as well as a strategic location. The castle, built in the 15th century, now houses the Ethnographic Museum of the Po. The succession problems that followed his death made the territory less autonomous and more fragmented.
The Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo
The area of Monticelli was entrusted to Carlo Pallavicino (bishop), son of Rolando and Diocese of Lodi, who completed the Monticelli d'Ongina Castle and made it his summer residence. It was he who, in 1470, built the Collegiate Church (now a basilica) of San Lorenzo, where his remains lie. The Collegiate Church is a work of art in Romanesque style, with a bell tower shaped like a tower. The interior, with its coffered ceiling, is decorated with frescoes and paintings from various periods.
Garlic and Spongata production
In addition to its history, Monticelli d'Ongina is famous for its production of garlic, thanks to the fertile alluvial plain of the Po. Monticelli garlic has an elongated shape, a white pulp, and a delicate flavor. It is widely used in Italian cuisine, particularly in the preparation of sauces and dressings. Another typical product of Monticelli d'Ongina is Spongata, a sweet made from dried fruit, spices, and honey. This sweet is traditionally prepared during the Christmas holidays and is a true delight for the palate.
Conclusion
Monticelli d'Ongina is a town rich in history and traditions, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the beauty of nature. Visit the Monticelli d'Ongina Castle and the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo to admire the local works of art, and savor the garlic and Spongata to taste the authentic flavor of this wonderful village.
