Pozzolo Formigaro
Welcome to Pozzolo Formigaro!
Located in the province of Alessandria, in Piedmont, Pozzolo Formigaro is a municipality of just under 4,500 inhabitants. Known as an agricultural and industrial center of the Novese, the city is just a few kilometers from Novi Ligure and Alessandria and has always been an important commercial and transportation hub. Welcome to Pozzolo Formigaro!
Origin of the Name
The origins of the town's name are ancient and uncertain. While local historians agree that the name "Pozzolo" refers to the place where the first inhabited nuclei with wells for irrigation and watering humans and animals were formed, the origin of the addition "Formigaro" is not equally clear. According to Canon Bottazzi, the original name was "Fornuce," and the addition "Formica" or "Formigaro" was created to avoid confusion with other homonymous locations. In 1899, two scholars suggested that the appellation "Formigaro" was derived from the area's excessive population. Today, the origin of this name is still not known with certainty.
History
The municipality of Pozzolo Formigaro has been mentioned in various documents from the 10th century under the name "Puteolus Fornuce" or "Puteolus de Borlasca." In 1095, the city was fortified by the municipality of Tortona. In 1155, Pozzolo Formigaro was conquered by Federico Barbarossa along with Tortona. In the 12th century, the municipality passed under the control of the Marquises of Bosco, only to return under the control of Tortona. In 1255, the local community rebelled against the city, and the issue was resolved by signing a peace treaty that recognized greater rights to the Pozzolesi. In 1437, the municipality passed under the Duchy of Milan. In 1527, it was granted as a fief to Domenico Sauli, a Genoese and son of Antonio.
Things to See in Pozzolo Formigaro
Pozzolo Formigaro is a city rich in history and with an interesting cultural heritage. The fortress of Pozzolo Formigaro, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the main attractions of the city. Built to defend the city from enemy invasions, today the fortress hosts cultural events. The Church of San Giovanni Battista is another important attraction of the city. The church dates back to the 12th century and features a beautiful marble portal with granite columns. The main square of the city, Piazza XX Settembre, is a pleasant place to walk around and enjoy an ice cream or a coffee.
Food to Try in Pozzolo Formigaro
The cuisine of Pozzolo Formigaro reflects its history and geographical location. The city is located just a few kilometers away from the Tortona hills, known for the production of fine wines, such as Barbera and Dolcetto. Among the traditional dishes of the city, we find risotto alla piemontese, tagliatelle with wild boar sauce, and grilled sausage. Don't forget to visit local companies, where you can taste typical products such as Varzi salami, Montebore cheese, and acacia honey.
Events in Pozzolo Formigaro
Pozzolo Formigaro is a lively city, with numerous events throughout the year. Among the most important, we find the Fair of San Giovanni Battista, held every year on June 24th, which attracts visitors from all over the region for the local products market and family attractions. The Sagra della Salsiccia (Sausage Festival) is instead held in September and is an opportunity to taste grilled sausage accompanied by local wine. The Overseas Exhibition, organized every two years, is an important cultural event that presents works by local artists.
Visit Pozzolo Formigaro!
In summary, Pozzolo Formigaro is a city that deserves to be visited. With a rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine, the city is perfect for spending a few days of relaxation in the company. Don't forget to stroll its streets and admire the beautiful fortress, taste the typical products, and participate in local events. Welcome to Pozzolo Formigaro!
