Refrancore
Refrancore: a wine-producing town in the lower Monferrato area
If you are looking for a quiet village, surrounded by nature and with a strong wine-making tradition, Refrancore is the perfect choice for you. This municipality, located in the province of Asti, has about 1,562 inhabitants and is only 13 km away from Asti, towards the east.
As the name suggests in Piedmontese language, ''Ël Francó'' or ''Arfrancor'', Refrancore owes part of its history to the presence of Frankish settlers in the area. However, its history goes back much further, since the Roman period.
History
According to some historians, the name Refrancore comes from the river ''rivus francorum'', which crosses the hills of the lower Monferrato and flows towards the Tanaro River. This place seems to have been present since Roman times, as evidenced by some valuable findings made by farmers during agricultural work.
Later, around 663, a bloody battle took place between the Franks and the Lombards, which apparently gave its name to the stream, filling its waters with their own blood. From then on, the stream began to be called ''Rivus Francorum'', in honor of the Franks.
The first official document referring to Refrancore dates back to December 1197, when the podestà of Asti, Alberto de Fontana, decreed the inalienable possession of the "castle of Annone with the village and the town, with Refrancore, with Cerro and with Foresto" by the Municipality of Asti. From then on, Refrancore increasingly appears in official documents, becoming a progressively autonomous and independent reality.
In the fourteenth century, the Emperor Charles IV of Luxembourg and Bohemia appointed his imperial vicar the Marquis Giovanni di Monferrato, granting him numerous investitures, including the feud of ''Rivus franchorium''. The engraving of the Codex Astensis, dating back to that period, shows a fortified nucleus with a small castle defended by high merlons and two towers.
The area of the future village is still well preserved today, a valid example of how the history of Refrancore intertwines with that of the surrounding area.
Refrancore today
Today, Refrancore is a municipality with a predominantly agricultural economy, with a strong tradition in wine production. The hills of the lower Monferrato are particularly suitable for the cultivation of native grape varieties, such as barbera and grignolino.
The oldest nucleus of the village is around the ancient parish church of San Martino, which extends along the slopes of the hill and is connected to the modern village. Along the three roads leading to Asti, Alessandria, and Casale Monferrato, the most current and lively part of the village can be found.
What to visit
If you are thinking of visiting Refrancore, there are several attractions to pay attention to. First of all, you cannot miss the parish church of San Martino, dating back to around 1500. Here you can admire well-preserved Renaissance frescoes and decorations.
Another place of interest is the castle of Annone, dating back to the sixteenth century, currently undergoing restoration and closed to visitors. However, it is possible to admire it from the outside and appreciate the architecture of the surrounding area.
Finally, if you are a fan of contemporary art, in Refrancore you can visit the Casa della Contemporaneità, a museum and exhibition space that hosts constantly evolving art exhibitions and installations.
Events
Refrancore, like many other municipalities in the area, celebrates the wine-making tradition and the grape harvest period with various events. One of the most important is certainly the Barbera Festival, held every year in October and featuring tastings, exhibitions, competitions, and musical and gastronomic events.
In winter, instead, the San Martino Fair is celebrated, an opportunity to sample typical local gastronomic products and discover local craftsmanship.
How to get there
Refrancore is easily reachable by car from Asti. Following the provincial road 88 towards the east, you can arrive at this charming village in no time. Moreover, it is also possible to reach it by bus, thanks to several local transport lines.
Conclusion
Refrancore is a municipality with a tranquil and authentic atmosphere, a true gem of the lower Monferrato area. With its strong wine-making tradition and its millennial history, this village represents an ideal destination for those looking for moments of relaxation in the sign of good food and good company.
