San Salvatore Monferrato
Welcome to San Salvatore Monferrato!
Hello everyone! Today I'll be talking about San Salvatore Monferrato, a small town in Piedmont located in the province of Alessandria, north of the city itself. The town has a population of around 4,000 inhabitants and extends over hills that divide the flat areas of Casalese and Alessandrino.
The History of San Salvatore Monferrato
San Salvatore Monferrato has ancient origins and was probably founded during the Roman period. Known in the past as "Villa ad Vites", in 1048 the city took the name of "castrum Sancti Salvatoris". In 1164, William V of Monferrato obtained control of the city from Frederick Barbarossa. From the 14th century to 1708, San Salvatore Monferrato was part of the Duchy of Milan or the Marquisate of Monferrato (Paleologo and Gonzaga) at different times.
During the Second Italian War of Independence in 1859, the city was headquarters to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy. Later, in 1894, King Umberto I of Savoy conferred the title of "city" on San Salvatore Monferrato.
Economy and industry
San Salvatore Monferrato is mainly an agricultural town that produces excellent wines. The wine production, however, suffered a significant decline at the end of the 19th century due to the phylloxera, a parasite that attacked the roots of the vines. Subsequently, the city linked its economic growth to the development of manufacturing industries, such as shoemakers, sportswear, and the furniture industry. Additionally, the city is known for the gold district, which is managed by the nearby town of Valenza, attracting a large migratory flow.
The landscape of San Salvatore Monferrato
The landscape of San Salvatore Monferrato is characterized by the low Monferrato, with its wonderful hills and rows of vines. This beautiful landscape has often been reproduced and idealized by artists, such as Antonio Panelli from San Salvatore and Franco Sassi, a painter, draftsman, and engraver from Alessandria in the 1900s. Sassi dedicated small and striking watercolors to San Salvatore.
The symbols of San Salvatore Monferrato
The gonfalon of San Salvatore Monferrato is a divided flag of white and red.
Monuments and places of interest
San Salvatore Monferrato is a city full of historical monuments and interesting places to visit. One of these monuments is the Paleologa Tower, about 24 meters high, which dominates the city. This tower was built in 1413 by Theodore II of Monferrato, one of the rulers of the city.
The city also hosts numerous churches of great historical and artistic interest. The Church of San Martino Vescovo was built in the 15th century and is characterized by a rich Baroque interior of friezes, stuccos, and paintings from Moncalvo and its school. The Church of San Siro, dating back to the 11th century, is famous for the adoration of the shepherds, a large canvas by Moncalvo. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Assumption instead, has an impressive Rococo decorative apparatus. The Church of the Most Holy Trinity is a Latin cross-shaped church, with a Baroque altar and a frescoed Stations of the Cross with the coats of arms of the members of the homonymous confraternity. Finally, the Church of Sant'Antonio houses the painting of "St. Michael slaying the demon", a work by Moncalvo.
Conclusion
San Salvatore Monferrato is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. Its hills covered with rows of vines, its churches, and its historical monuments make it an incredibly fascinating place, ideal for those who love history, art, and nature. Come to visit us and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of our country!
