Spigno Monferrato
Exploring Spigno Monferrato: A Town of 900 Inhabitants in Piedmont
Spigno Monferrato is a small town of 900 inhabitants located in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont, Italy. This place is the southernmost of the province of Alessandria and borders Liguria. Although Spigno Monferrato is a small town, it has a long history of feudal oppression and struggle for freedom. Nowadays, Spigno Monferrato is a quiet town immersed in nature.
Physical Geography
Territory
The town of Spigno Monferrato extends on a hill, overlooking the Val Bormida valley and is bathed to the south by the Valla stream. The territory is extremely suggestive and presents a varied fauna and flora in which the importance of chestnut and coppice woods stands out.
Climate
The climate of Spigno Monferrato is typical of the pre-alpine zones, with hot and humid summers and cold and humid winters.
History
Spigno Monferrato boasts a long and eventful history that has influenced the Piedmont region. It is said that in the 1300s, Alberto del Carretto bought two-thirds of the Spigno mandament from the Marchesi of Ponzone, which included Merana, Serole, Rocchetta, and Malvicino. After his success, the widow Tubirgia Fieschi, guardian of his son Francesco, sold all the territories acquired to Giacomo Del Carretto. Subsequently, Giacomo completed the purchase of the Spigno mandament in 1332 with the purchase of the other third of the territory from the Marchesi of Ponzone.
After these acquisitions, Manfredo, the fifth son of Giacomo, consolidated the possession of all the territories and passed the mandate on to his son Francesco. The investiture was taken by the Republic of Genoa, although the lords of Spigno were feudals of the Marchesato of Monferrato. In 1467, Amedeo IX of Savoy took the territories of Spigno and Cremolino from the Marquis of Monferrato, but he returned them thanks to Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan. In 1469, Guglielmo VIII of Monferrato granted the Abbey of San Quintino di Spigno the privilege of Immunity for the men of its fiefs.
After the death of the marquis Tommaso Del Carretto, the lordship of Spigno was devolved to Luigi Asinari, nephew of Caterina, Tommaso's sister. Luigi's son, Marco Antonio, received the investiture in 1612 from the Ducal Camera of Milan and in 1615 from King Philip III of Spain, who erected the feud of Spigno into a marquisate. Finally, Marco Antonio's successor was Federico, less respectful and enthusiastic of the population, who tried to govern with a firm hand; however, his enterprises attracted the attention of the House of Savoy, which destroyed the castle.
Life in Spigno Monferrato Today
Throughout the 20th century, life in Spigno Monferrato has changed considerably. After the feudal era, the population devoted itself to agriculture and livestock. However, with the increasing job opportunities in nearby cities, many people have decided to migrate to the big cities. Spigno Monferrato is today a pleasant and quiet town, known for the production of excellent local products, such as wine and cured meats. The town is located among hills and woods, making it an ideal place for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Art lovers can visit the church of San Pietro in Vincoli and admire the 14th-century fresco Madonna col Bambino, among other wonders of art.
In conclusion, Spigno Monferrato is a town that preserves its secular history and cultural treasures, while becoming a modern town suitable for all the needs of the 21st century. Visiting this small town is a unique experience, especially for those who love nature, history, and Italian gastronomic tradition.
