Villadeati
Welcome to Villadeati, the Vila dj'Ati of Piedmont
Welcome to Villadeati, a small town in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont, located on a hill 410 meters above sea level. The name of the town comes from the Deati family, who obtained the territory as a fiefdom in the 14th century. In 1431, the first evidence of the existence of "De Villa De Deatis" was recorded.
The History of Villadeati
Villadeati became famous for the tragic event that occurred during World War II. In 1944, partisans from the area killed a German soldier and took another prisoner, who escaped months later. In retaliation, the Nazis invaded the town to find the partisans, but failing to do so, took nine men and a woman hostage. Among them was the parish priest of the parish church, Don Ernesto Camurati. Unable to find the partisans, the prisoners were brought to a clearing to be shot, but the priest offered his own life in exchange for theirs. The negotiation was unsuccessful, and Don Camurati was shot along with nine other fathers. On October 23, 1944, the Nazis made another raid, killing more villagers. Eleven innocent victims were killed. After liberation, Major Mayer, responsible for the massacre, was executed by the partisans.
Today, in Villadeati, visitors can still see the monument dedicated to the victims of the massacre in Piazza IX Ottobre, where the execution took place. A plaque in memory of Don Camurati can be found on Via Goffredo Mameli in Casale Monferrato.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Villadeati was granted, along with the municipal banner, by the decree of the President of the Republic on September 12, 2003. The blue and red halved banner is the symbol of the municipality.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Villadeati has many monuments and places of interest worth visiting. The church of San Remigio, located near the monument to the victims of the Nazi reprisal, is an ancient building dedicated to the patron saint of the town. After years of abandonment, it has been renovated and used to host cultural events.
The Castle of Villadeati was transformed into a scenic and picturesque Juvarrian structure at the end of the 18th century. The four series of terraces and galleries that cross it follow the slope of the hill and create an enchanting atmosphere that attracts many visitors every year.
Conclusion
Villadeati is a small Piedmontese town that has experienced difficult moments in its history but has managed to overcome tragedies and flourish. Today, it is a place of peace and culture, with monuments and places of interest that tell its history and beauty. If you are looking for a destination for your vacation in the province of Alessandria, Villadeati can be an interesting choice, with history, art, and nature. We look forward to welcoming you!
