Morano sul Po
Discovering Morano sul Po
Hello everyone! Today I'll take you on a journey to discover Morano sul Po, an Italian municipality located in the province of Alessandria, in the heart of Piedmont. With its 1336 inhabitants, Morano is a charming small town where history and nature blend together in a perfect mix.
The History of Morano sul Po
Morano sul Po is a municipality with ancient origins that date back to the Late Bronze Age, around the 11th century BC. The discovery of a necropolis in the Pobietto area, dating back to the Late Bronze Age period, has further pushed back the origins of the town in time. However, it is also known that there was a Roman village in the territory of Morano, probably preceded by Gaulish settlements and Ligurian populations.
But where does the name "Morano" come from? There are several hypotheses: the first is linked to the presence of gold deposits in the Po floodplains, which would have led to the name "Aurianus"; later, with the use of black slaves, the name would have transformed into "Maurianus". Another theory suggests that the name derives from the presence of many mulberry plants (in Piedmontese "moron") used for rearing silkworms. Finally, there is a hypothesis that attributes the name to Moorish bandits who found refuge on an island in the Po river near the town.
Morano has undergone many dominations throughout history. At the beginning of the second millennium, the town belonged to the Diocese of Vercelli, and then passed into the hands of the Marquess of Monferrato. Over the centuries, Morano has been occupied by Savoyard troops of the Duke of Savoy, until being enfeoffed to Alberto Bobba di Lu. Only in the 18th century did Morano take on a more stable imprint, thanks to the investiture of Francesco Giovanni Tomaso Mossi as Marquess of Morano.
Morano sul Po Today
Today Morano sul Po is a quiet and picturesque place, where tourists and residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and local traditions. One of the main attractions of the area is the Po river, which crosses Morano offering splendid views at the mouth of the Rotaldo.
The land surrounding the town is rich in woods, meadows, and hills, with a great variety of flora and fauna. The area is also famous for the production of precious wines, such as Cabernet and Merlot.
What to See in Morano sul Po
If you decide to visit Morano, you can't miss the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 16th century as the main church of the town. The church houses a precious painting by the Cremonese school depicting the Madonna with Child.
Another place not to be missed is the Castle of Paleotti-Lanzoni, one of the main historical attractions of the town. The castle, dating back to the 17th century, was built on the ruins of a pre-existing fortification. In the past, the castle served as a residence for the Marquess Paleotti-Lanzoni.
For nature lovers, Morano offers many paths and trails for walks and excursions, suitable for both experts and beginners. A particularly fascinating excursion is the one that leads to the Branca Tower, a watchtower built in the 16th century to prevent Po river flooding.
Conclusion
Here's a small but complete guide to Morano sul Po, an Italian municipality with ancient and authentic charm. If you love history, nature, and tranquility, this is the perfect place for you. I recommend you to visit it at least once in your lifetime, you won't be disappointed!
