Ciglione
Welcome to Ciglione!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about the beautiful hamlet of Ciglione, located in the municipality of Ponzone, in the province of Alessandria, in the Piedmont region. This beautiful village is situated on the edge of a hill halfway up Mount Cianella, which protects it from the cold winds of the north, and is a very picturesque place where history merges with the beauty of nature.
Origins of the name
The name Ciglione derives from the position of the hamlet, situated on the edge of a hill. Its history, however, is very ancient and dates back to distant times. According to legend, the name Ciglione was chosen by two lovers who wanted to fix their nest above "this beautiful Ciglio", but the truth is that many localities, including Valle, Bricchetto, Rivate, Piani, Piana, Laneri, Crosio and Benzi, have been named after their topography or the families who inhabited them.
Monuments and places of interest
Church of San Bernardo
One of the most important monuments of Ciglione is the Church of San Bernardo, an authentic jewel of Piedmontese Baroque style. This parish church is made of mixed stone and aerated lime bricks and features a vertical façade with two levels of angular and protruding pilaster strips. Inside, you can admire the majestic rectangular vaults of pointed arches, separated by an arch at the two twin pilaster strips, and the frescoes by Pietro Ivaldi, nicknamed the Mute, which represent the four Cardinal Virtues, the four Evangelists, the Trinity, the Last Supper and the Nativity. The Church of San Bernardo is a marvel of Baroque art and is an important cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Oratory of San Colombano
Another church of great interest is the Oratory of San Colombano, located near the current cemetery. This Romanesque church dates back to the 8th century AD and is one of the earliest Christian settlements in the area. Its construction is attributed to the monks of the Abbey of San Colombano di Bobbio, who were responsible for spreading Christianity in the Ligurian Apennines during the Lombard era. This church represents an important historical and cultural heritage of the hamlet of Ciglione.
Saracen Tower
Finally, near the settlement, there are the remains of a conical structure dating back to the 9th century, called the "Saracen Tower". This tower was used by the Saracens, invaders of the time, as a lookout tower. Today, it represents an important historical and archaeological site.
Other projects
If you are passionate about history and culture, Ciglione is definitely the right place for you. This hamlet is full of artistic and cultural treasures and represents a very important heritage for the surrounding area. Don't hesitate to come and discover this wonderful village and visit the Church of San Bernardo, the Oratory of San Colombano and the Saracen Tower. Ciglione is waiting for you!
