San Marzano Oliveto
The Municipality of San Marzano Oliveto
San Marzano Oliveto is a municipality in Piedmont, located in the province of Asti, with a population of 1017 inhabitants. Since January 1st, 2014, it has been part of the Union of Municipalities "Comunità Collinare Val Tiglione e Dintorni", which also includes the Municipalities of Agliano Terme, Azzano d'Asti, Castelnuovo Calcea, Mombercelli, Montaldo Scarampi, Rocca d'Arazzo, San Marzano Oliveto, Vinchio.
Physical Geography
The municipality of San Marzano Oliveto is characterized by a landscape that partially resembles Tuscany and Umbria, with a panoramic position at 300 meters above sea level. Its almost mystical landscape, with the presence of olive trees that thrive in some areas, has attracted many foreigners, such as the German painter Viktor Mòllerstaedt, whose works exhibited in various local exhibitions are inspired by Italian 15th-century art.
History
Origins
The name of San Marzano was given in honor of Marziano di Tortona, possibly the first bishop of Tortona (4th century) or of the Archdiocese of Ravenna who was martyred in Tortona. In 1862, the designation of "Oliveto" was added because the Olea europaea prospered there in ancient times.
The Middle Ages and the Asinari
The origin of the town dates back to the ancient Ligurians, but it is with the arrival of the Latins that the first information and evidence of the ancient Sanmarzanese are available. From the mid-14th century, San Marzano was in the hands of the Asinari family, lords of Costigliole and Moasca and other towns. In 1280, Bonifacio Asinari left his wealth to his sons; two of them, Bonifacio and Tommaso, became co-owners of the feudal lordship of San Marzano. In memory of the presence of this family, there is a locality in the territory of San Marzano that has preserved the place name of Valle Asinari.
Modern Age
In 1771, Filippo Valentino Asinari was enfeoffed as the first Marquis of San Marzano and Caraglio; his son Filippo Antonio Maria was a State Counselor and sent by Napoleon Bonaparte as an ambassador to Berlin.
Conclusions
San Marzano Oliveto, with its landscape that resembles Tuscany and Umbria, has an ancient history that dates back to the ancient Ligurians and the Latins, with influences from the Asinari family in the 14th century. The presence of olive trees that thrive in some areas increases the beauty of the municipality and meets the tastes of tourists who appreciate it also for its almost mystical serenity.
