Ricaldone
Welcome to Ricaldone, in the heart of Monferrato
Welcome to Ricaldone, a small commune located in the province of Alessandria, in the Piedmont region. With only 650 inhabitants, this delightful village is a hidden gem in the heart of Monferrato. The town takes its name from its Lombard founder, Aldo, who ruled this area in the seventh century. The name Ricaldone, in fact, derives from the phrase "the German Aldo's brushwood," referring to the activity of uprooting the brambles of the time. In this article, you will discover the history of this fascinating commune, its symbols, and its monuments, such as the Church of the Saints Simon and Jude.
Origins of the name
The name Ricaldone has an interesting history dating back to the Middle Ages. The term is composed of two words: Runcus and Aldo. "Runcus" means a billhook or tool for uprooting brambles, while "Aldo" is the name of the Lombard founder of the commune. Together these terms describe "the German Aldo's brushwood." Although the etymology of the name is ancient, the town has remained a welcoming and vibrant place where inhabitants are proud of their history and traditions.
History
The history of Ricaldone dates back to the medieval period when the commune was administered by the lords of Canelli. Over the centuries, the commune changed hands, but the town always maintained its identity and traditions. Today, Ricaldone is a picturesque place where you can immerse yourself in the culture of Monferrato and live the life of a bygone era.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the commune of Ricaldone was granted by the decree of the Council of Ministers on February 24, 1995. The coat of arms depicts a lion in a rampant position on a blue background. The color blue is a reminder of the medieval origin of the commune, while the lion symbolizes the strength, independence, and loyalty of the inhabitants of Ricaldone.
Monuments and places of interest
One of the most interesting monuments of Ricaldone is the Church of the Saints Simon and Jude. This church replaced, in the mid-sixteenth century, the church of San Michele, which remains today at the entrance of the village. The construction of the building dates back to an earlier period, as evidenced by some engravings on the main portal. The current internal structure has four naves, but originally it was made up of three naves. The right-hand retro-aisle of the entrance was partly added in the seventeenth century and partly in 1750.
Visiting Ricaldone is like taking a trip back in time. The town offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Piedmont and discover a corner of paradise hidden in the heart of Monferrato. Come and discover Ricaldone and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this Italian commune.
