Silvano d'Orba
Silvano d'Orba: a municipality between the Po Valley and the hills of Monferrato
Silvano d'Orba is a municipality located in the province of Alessandria, in Piedmont. The small town has a population of 1905 inhabitants and is located between the first hills of the Alto Monferrato and the beginning of the Po Valley. The main activities in the area are agriculture and the production of DOC wines, such as Dolcetto di Ovada and Barbera dell'Alto Monferrato.
The history of Silvano d'Orba: Roman foundations and Saracen raids
The territory where Silvano d'Orba stands was inhabited by Romans, who founded several villages that formed the legendary "city" of Rondinaria. This fortified castrum was located in the area of the current cemetery, while the so-called "city" extended both in the Orba plain and in the Piota plain, up to Lerma and Tagliolo Monferrato. Following the barbarian invasions, several inhabitants of the neighboring villages of Rondinaria took refuge in the hidden alluvial plain on the right bank of the Piota, where the fraction Pieve di Silvano d'Orba is located today. But it was after the Saracen raids, in the X and XI centuries, that the inhabitants of the valley had to move to the hills. Here originated the castles and villages of the Alto Monferrato, including Silvano. In the area of the current town, two castles were built, on two different hills, divided by the small valley where the stream called Riofreddo flows. Around them, two villages arose: the first called Silvano, while the other Rocca degli Zucchi (named after the Zucca family, who built the castle on the Merli hill).
The toponyms and the evolution of the constructions
The toponym Silvano is attested, starting from 1198, through the forms "Silvanus" and "Selvanus", whose meaning would be "of the forest" or "silvan". Its origin should be seen in the headquarters of one of those "silvani" who had the task of guarding the territory, preventing the interference of strangers in the rights reserved to tenants or lessees of the lands. In 1446, the second castle was destroyed by the inhabitants of Alessandria, and the two "villages" both took the name Silvano, distinguished in Villa Superiore and Villa Inferiore.
The vineyards and the enogastronomic treasures of Silvano d'Orba
Silvano d'Orba is surrounded by vineyards that produce numerous prestigious DOC wines, such as Dolcetto di Ovada and Barbera dell'Alto Monferrato. But not only that: not far from the town are also the vineyards of Gavi, the famous white of the Piedmontese hills. In the area, it is possible to taste typical local dishes, such as bagna cauda, risotto alla Barbera, tajarin, and agnolotti.
Visiting Silvano d'Orba
For those wishing to visit Silvano d'Orba, there are many things to see: in addition to the remains of the Roman castrum in the vicinity of the cemetery, it is possible to visit the church of San Giorgio in Villa Inferiore, the church of San Lorenzo in Villa Superiore, the Museum of agricultural civilization and the Ethnographic Museum. But the real charm of Silvano d'Orba lies in its landscapes, between hills and vineyards, and in the possibility to taste the prestigious local wines.
In summary, Silvano d'Orba is a Piedmontese municipality immersed in nature and history, with unparalleled enogastronomic treasures. Here you will find breathtaking views, tasty dishes, and exquisite aperitifs. Come and visit Silvano d'Orba and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this town that has managed to preserve its authenticity.
