Montiglio Monferrato
Welcome to Montiglio Monferrato!
Welcome to the city of Montiglio Monferrato, located in the province of Asti in Piedmont, Italy. This city was created in 1998 by the union of three ancient municipalities: Colcavagno, Montiglio and Scandeluzza. Montiglio Monferrato is a city full of history, culture and monuments. In this article, we will discover together the places of interest and the most important monuments, the society and the anthropic geography of this beautiful municipality.
Origins of the name
The name Montiglio Monferrato would derive from the Latin expression "Montellus" which means small hill or from the expression "Mons tilii" which means "Tiglio Mountain" because the predominant landscape in this region was the forest.
History
Montiglio Monferrato has a rich history. Its original castle dates back to the 13th century, destroyed in 1305 and rebuilt with underground areas in the 15th century. It was the war between Monferrato and Asti that led to the construction of this stronghold. It has been included in the circuit of "Open Castles" of Lower Piedmont. In the castle park there is the Romanesque chapel of Andrea apostolo, which preserves the largest cycle of 14th century frescoes in Piedmont. Montiglio Monferrato is also famous for the Pieve di San Lorenzo, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, and for its two sundials.
Monuments and places of interest
Montiglio Monferrato is on the top of a hill overlooking the Valle Versa. The city's coat of arms was granted by decree of the President of the Republic on October 9, 2002. The truffle fair is held in the autumn and the city is also famous for the artificial lake called Lago di Codana. The area has recently been renovated and reopened to the public in September 2017.
Society
In the last hundred years, the resident population in the municipality has decreased by 45%. The reasons are different, including emigration to cities and abroad.
Anthropological geography
Montiglio Monferrato is composed of three different municipalities: Colcavagno, Montiglio and Scandeluzza. Colcavagno dominates the Valle Versa, downstream of Montiglio. In the center of the village stands the castle, extensively renovated in 1667. In 1902 it was sold to the sisters of the Cottolengo, using it as a retirement home until 2010, when it became the headquarters of the Paolo Ferraris Foundation. Scandeluzza, on the other hand, is located behind Colcavagno. In the highest part of the village is the church dedicated to Madonna del Rosario. Near the cemetery is the Romanesque church of Saints San Sebastiano and Pope Fabiano. Outside the village is another Romanesque church dedicated to Sant'Emiliano, privately owned. In Rinco, a fraction of Montiglio Monferrato, there are also two castles: the first was built in the 14th century next to a tower from the 11th century to accommodate the residence of the Pallio counts. In the 16th century, this castle was dedicated to hosting the army and next to it a new one was built for the count's family and officers, with Italian gardens.
Conclusions
Montiglio Monferrato is a small city full of history, culture and monuments. You are invited to visit the castle, the two Romanesque churches, the sundial and Lago di Codana. You are also invited to discover the fractions of Colcavagno, Montiglio, Scandeluzza and Rinco.
