Pomaro Monferrato
Welcome to Pomaro Monferrato, the Medieval Village in Monferrato Casalese
Pomaro Monferrato, also known as Pomar in Piedmontese and Pumà in the dialect of Alessandria, is a picturesque medieval village in the heart of Monferrato Casalese, an area between the plain of Lomellina and the hilly territory of Monferrato, located in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont. With its 369 inhabitants and a geographical location bounded by the right bank of the Grana stream, Pomaro Monferrato is a true historical treasure.
The History of the Medieval Village
Pomaro Monferrato has ancient roots, having been an ancient Roman camp. However, its name comes from the Latin term "pomarium" (which means orchard), like many other places in Italy. The village first appears in an edict of Frederick Barbarossa in 1156, but the exact date of the construction of the castle is not known for certain. According to local historian Giacinto Saletta, the fortress was built in the 12th century by the Aleramici. The castle was erected at the highest point of the hill and facing north. The first houses constituting the village were gathered within a "ricetto" consisting of a defensive wall.
The Castle of Pomaro Monferrato
The enclosing wall was built on top of the hill, and today we can still see the watchtower and part of the moat at the entrance of the castle. The strategic position of Pomaro, on the borders of the Marquisate of Monferrato, meant that it was always at the center of continuous tensions and conflicts for the control of the territory. In the 13th century, Pomaro was traded between the Monferrato marquises and Pavia. In the 15th century, under the rule of the Paleologi, the town was involved in the war between the latter and the Visconti. The village of Pomaro, the castle and the adjacent park, were transformed into one of the most beautiful and comfortable residences available to the Monferrato marquises.
Wars between Spaniards and French
In the 17th century, during the continuous conflicts between Spaniards and French, Pomaro Monferrato became the property of Gonzaga in 1536. In 1637 the Spanish army approached the castle and dismantled most of the outer fortifications, but before penetrating in the village, they were forced to retreat due to the arrival of Carlo III di Créquy. In the following year, Leganés tried again, this time he emerged victorious, but only after undermining the castle and the remaining fortifications.
The Heritage of Pomaro Monferrato
In addition to the castle, Pomaro Monferrato also houses the Church of San Pietro, which dates back to the 15th century. The interior of the church is characterized by 15th-century frescoes. Among the other attractions of the village, there is the Clock Tower, located in the main square of the town, and the Community House which, after a long restoration, has been reopened to the public as a cultural and museum space.
What to do in Pomaro Monferrato
Pomaro Monferrato is also an ideal destination for nature excursions. The surrounding area has been partly designated as protected natural areas, perfect for hiking. Moreover, the locals, proud of their ancient rural traditions, annually organize a fair of typical products of Monferrato, including craft beer, wine, honey, and cheese.
Conclusion
Pomaro Monferrato is a medieval village located in a strategic geographical position between the plain of Lomellina and the hilly territory of Monferrato. The history of the village is closely linked to the history of the Castle of Pomaro Monferrato, built by the Aleramici in the 12th century and then transformed by the Paleologi into one of the most beautiful and comfortable residences available to the Monferrato marquises. Today, Pomaro Monferrato is an ideal destination for nature excursions, but it remains a cultural and historical treasure of the province of Alessandria in Piedmont.
