Cimena
Discovering San Raffaele Cimena
Hello friends! Today I will talk to you about San Raffaele Cimena, a small town in the metropolitan city of Turin, in Piedmont. With its 3,127 inhabitants, this Piedmontese town is characterized by a fascinating history and a unique territory.
Physical Geography
Let's start by talking about the territory of San Raffaele Cimena. The hamlet of Valle Baudana is one of the treasures of this municipality thanks to its particularly rare and characteristic microclimate. Here, it is possible to enjoy mild temperatures even in the middle of winter and particularly cool in summer. Being a unique phenomenon in northern Italy, Valle Baudana has been the subject of study by various institutions, including the National Research Council (CNR). Thanks to the particular morphology of the territory and the unique characteristics of the flora, here you can find plant varieties typically tropical such as citrus fruits, prickly pears, palms and even Papaya.
History
The history of San Raffaele Cimena dates back to the 4th century. In that period, a Byzantine garrison was built on the hill as a chapel in honor of Saint Raphael the Archangel, to protect travelers. Around the church, the first dwellings would then have arisen. In the 10th century, due to Saracen raids, the population moved higher up, around the castle, to have greater protection. The settlement was also defended by moats and walls. The village that developed around the fortress still differs today sharply from the other two main localities of the municipal territory, Cimena and La Piana. Furthermore, over the centuries, several families succeeded in possession of the fiefdom or part of it with a feudal and comital title.
''Cimena'' has an origin even before Roman times and the name probably derives from Ancient Ligurian, where the term ''cem'' or ''cim'' meant mountain or height. In 1596, it became an autonomous municipality and was an important center both for its strategic-military position and for the geographical one, which favored agriculture. In 1818 ''Cimena'' was aggregated to ''San Raffaele'', from which the municipal designation of "San Raffaele and Cimena" lasted until 1928.
Curiosities and Places of Interest
In addition to the historical and natural treasures, San Raffaele Cimena also has places of interest such as its evocative castle, the subject of recent restoration work. Walking through the historic center of San Raffaele will give you the impression of taking a real journey through time. Although small, the historic center of Cimena is worth a visit for its characteristic stone houses.
Events and Traditions
In San Raffaele Cimena, there are numerous traditions and folk festivals that are worth experiencing. One of the most anticipated moments of the year is the Palio degli Asini, a fun competition between the four districts of the city with their donkeys. It is held every year on the second Sunday of September. During the feast of San Raffaele the Archangel, which takes place on September 29, the city comes alive with music, food, and all kinds of games.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of San Raffaele Cimena is a real tribute to Piedmontese flavors. Among the typical dishes, we find bagna cauda, an abundant bowl containing a hot sauce based on garlic and anchovies, accompanied by raw vegetables. During the winter season, instead, the braised beef in Barolo wine is one of the most appreciated dishes. As for sweets, on the other hand, among the specialties there are stuffed panettone and fruit tarts.
Conclusions
In conclusion, San Raffaele Cimena is a town rich in surprises and traditions. Once visited, you will feel like you have been catapulted into another era. Enjoying the natural wonders of Valle Baudana, walking through the picturesque streets of the historic center and tasting the delights of local cuisine are just some of the experiences you can enjoy in this small Piedmontese municipality. Don't miss the opportunity to visit it and let yourself be enchanted by its history and beauty!
