Ortovero
Welcome to Ortovero!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Ortovero, a municipality in north-western Italy located in the province of Savona in Liguria. The city has 1607 inhabitants and is located in the Arroscia valley, near the Albenga plain.
Discovering the geography of Ortovero
The territory of Ortovero is very peculiar because it is characterized by the "Ortovero clays", a type of clay and sandy soil ideal for many agricultural and wine-growing cultivations. The capital of the municipality is located on the right bank of the Arroscia, not far from the Lerrone stream. Instead, the Campi and Pogli hamlets are on the left bank of the Arroscia, located on the slopes of the Chiesa and Villa mountains. In total, the combined territory of Ortovero extends over an area of __ km².
History of Ortovero
The foundation of Ortovero could date back to the Roman Empire. The area where Pozzo stands today seems to be the first inhabited area, where an agricultural and rural center was probably built. In the Middle Ages, the castle of Ortovero was one of the main centers of the important Marchesato di Clavesana, which tried to protect the area from Albenga's invasions. In 1242, the inhabitants of Ortovero tried to become independent from the power of the Marquises, organizing themselves into "Universitas" and "Comunitas", but the revolt was suppressed, and feudal relations became more burdensome. Albenga, in turn, built the Polium fortress in 1288, a new fortified location just upstream of Ortovero.
In 1341, the ownership of the castle, the fiefdom, and the territory passed from the Marchesato di Clavesana to the Municipality of Albenga; this transition became definitive with the Napoleonic domination in the 18th century. In this period, the municipality of Ortovero was established, which also incorporated the community of Pogli.
Ortovero from the 19th century to the present day
During the French domination, Ortovero was part of the Department of Letimbro, with its capital in Savona, and subsequently the First Canton of the Jurisdiction of Centa. After the Congress of Vienna (1815), the territory returned to the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1851, with the creation of the municipality of Villanova d'Albenga, the Pogli hamlet came under the jurisdiction of Villanova.
During the 20th century, Ortovero developed considerably in the agricultural and wine-growing sectors, thanks to the presence of clays. This has allowed the economy of the municipality to grow and become more stable. In 1928, the municipality of Pogli was merged again with Ortovero.
What to see in Ortovero
Ortovero is a very welcoming and peaceful place, where peace and serenity reign. One of the main attractions are the hikes in the beautiful surroundings of the city, in a lush and still unspoiled nature. You can take very pleasant walks among the hills, enjoying an excellent view of the valley below. Moreover, a mandatory stop is the medieval castle of Ortovero, located on the hill that dominates the historic center.
Cuisine and typical products
Ortovero offers numerous Ligurian cuisine delicacies, such as typical seafood products, such as fresh fish, anchovies or tuna. Additionally, the city has a great tradition in wine production, thanks to the peculiarities of its "clays". Among the best local wines are: "Ormeasco" red DOC, "Pigato" white DOC and "Vermentino" white IGT.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ortovero is a very suggestive municipality where you can spend some time immersed in serenity, nature and good cuisine. If you are looking for a place to relax and disconnect from daily routine, come and visit this splendid city in Liguria!
