Mornese

Welcome to Mornese: a town among the Piedmont hills

Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Mornese, a town located in the province of Alessandria, in Piedmont. With its 739 inhabitants, Mornese is one of the municipalities of the Lower Piedmont and Monferrato, in the historical-cultural area of Ovadese.

Physical geography: between Gorzente and Val Lemme valleys

Mornese is located between the Gorzente valley and the Val Lemme, on the slopes of the Ligurian Apennines. The town is surrounded by nature and is part of the Regional Park of Capanne di Marcarolo. If you love hiking and outdoor life, Mornese is a perfect destination for you!

Mornese: culture, nature and history in the Piedmont hills.

History: from the Middle Ages to the present day

Known since the Middle Ages as Molonesio, Mornese has a very ancient history. Over the centuries, it has seen the passage of different noble families, from Rosso della Volta to Doria, from the Marchesato del Monferrato to private lordships. Over the years, the community of Mornese has preserved its historical treasures intact, keeping alive the cultural heritage of the area.

Symbols of the municipality

The coat of arms of the municipality of Mornese, granted by the Italian State, brings together the symbols representing the history of the town. The shields reproduce one the ancient emblem of the Cistercian Order to which Mornese owes its foundation, while the other is the shield of the Monferrato, to which the town belonged politically. In the center, the golden trefoil cross and the silver star are an allegory to remember Maria Domenica Mazzarello.

Places of interest: between culture and nature

Mornese offers many places of interest, ranging from history to nature, passing through culture and religion. If you are a lover of sacred art, you can visit the parish church, started in 1590, initially dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and later to Saint Sylvester. In the basement of the church, you can admire a permanent Nativity scene, perfect for immersing yourself in the Christmas atmosphere.

Furthermore, the town is closely linked to the figure of Saint Maria Domenica Mazzarello, co-founder with Saint John Bosco of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. You can visit the native house and the Valponasca farmhouse, where the Saint lived her childhood and adolescence, now renovated to preserve its original appearance and used as a place of reflection and prayer. The imposing temple dedicated to Mary Help of Christians will leave you speechless, consecrated in 1972, on the occasion of the centenary of the foundation of the institute.

But it doesn't end here! Mornese also offers a series of trails and mule tracks immersed in nature, perfect for hiking or mountain biking. Among woods, pine forests, and streams, you can discover the beauty of nature and enjoy moments of relaxation.

Conclusions

In summary, Mornese is a perfect destination for those who love history, culture, and nature. Immersed in the Piedmont hills, it offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. The welcoming and friendly community will make you feel at home right away. What are you waiting for? Come and visit Mornese!

Luca Bianchi
Wrote by Luca Bianchi
Updated Thursday, Jul 28, 2022