Villalvernia
Welcome to Villalvernia
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Villalvernia, a small municipality of about 871 inhabitants located in the province of Alessandria, in the Piedmont region. It is located on the hilly reliefs to the right of the lower course of the Scrivia stream and is a true gem to discover.
The history of Villalvernia
According to history, Villalvernia was probably founded in the 10th century and partially granted to the bishops of Tortona by Pope Adrian IV. In 1413, the fief passed to the Alvernia family, which held the power in the town for 167 years, tying their name to the village. In 1580, the fief passed to the Spinola family, following the marriage of Francesco with Antonia Alvernia, and in 1652, the feudal lords of Villalvernia obtained the marquisate title from the King of Spain, Philip IV. In 1688, it was sold by the Royal Chamber of Milan to the field marshal Pietro Luigi Passalacqua.
During World War II, Villalvernia was heavily hit by American bombings which caused the death of 114 civilians and the injury of another 235.
Symbols of Villalvernia
The municipal coat of arms was granted by royal decree on October 14, 1938, and incorporates elements from the coats of arms of families historically linked to Villalvernia: Passalacqua and Marchesi Gritta.
Monuments and places of interest
Villalvernia is composed of an upper part, the village, the original nucleus, and a lower part in the alluvial plain of the Scrivia, established after the construction of the Serravalle Scrivia-Tortona road (1821). The parish church of S. Maria Assunta, built in place of the previous one razed to the ground in 1600, but completed only in 1840, is an important place of worship in the city. The interior is spacious in neoclassical style, with an octagonal nave and a large dome. Above the main altar, in a lunette, is painted the "Cena in Emmaus" with Christ between two apostles.
The church of Bettole di Villalvernia, on the other hand, houses a large canvas by the painter Cesare Viazzi depicting S. Anna teaching Mary the Virgin how to read, and is a tribute to her mother Maria Teresa Ricci di Villalvernia.
Historical figures
The main streets of Villalvernia recall important historical figures linked to the city. Among the best known are the noble lawyer Alberto Valerio, mayor, to whom a street is dedicated, the general Domenico Carbone, a street named after him, and the square dedicated to the marquis Gian Alberto Gritta Tassorello, related to each other and linked to the historic noble Valerio, locally the owner of the ancient "fundi valeriani."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Villalvernia is a hidden gem in the province of Alessandria, among the hills of Piedmont. Its history is reflected both in its symbols and in its architecture, while the hilly landscape makes it a charming place to visit. If you have the chance to come and visit, you won't regret it!
