Villanova d'Asti
Villanova d'Asti: A Panoramic View of the City
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Villanova d'Asti, a beautiful city in northern Italy. With a population of 5647 inhabitants, this city is located in the province of Asti, situated in the heart of Piedmont. Villanova d'Asti is a city rich in history and culture, so you are welcome to discover with me the wonder of this city.
History of Villanova d'Asti
To begin with, I will tell you about the history of Villanova d'Asti. The city dates back to 1248, as evidenced by precise documents from the Asti archives. However, since Roman times, the presence of clusters of veterans assigned plots of land has been attested to. Furthermore, around the city, there are Lombard ruins called "corte vecchia", or Corveglia.
In the thirteenth century, the Augustinian canons enriched the halls with carved columns and capitals, establishing themselves precisely in Corveglia. However, in 1340, the religious had to abandon the building due to their indebtedness. Only today, the building has been restored to its former splendor.
With a deed of donation dated January 28th, 1494, Ludovico il Moro donated to his wife Beatrice d'Este the fiefdom of Villanova d'Asti with all its possessions and jurisdictions. In the seventeenth century, the surrounding territory of Villanova was the scene of fierce battles between the French and the Spanish, but the sturdy "star-shaped" walls always protected it. In 1690, the city was at risk of being plundered by French troops, but thanks to a solemn vow to the Madonna, the French left it unscathed.
After these events, Villanova d'Asti enjoyed long tranquility, until September 11th, 1802, when Piedmont up to the Sesia River was annexed to France.
Traditions of Villanova d'Asti
The city of Villanova is very tied to its traditions, especially the solemn vow to the Madonna. Even today, the mayor solemnly participates in the Immaculate Conception mass at the church of San Martino and tradition has it that he speaks after the reading of the Gospel.
In addition, on the walls of the ancient convent on via Roma, there is a plaque that briefly tells these extraordinary events. It was thanks to that solemn vow that the French did not damage the city, even though they had every intention of plundering it.
Attractions of Villanova d'Asti
In addition to its historical traditions, Villanova has a lot to offer on the tourist side. The city has numerous museums that exhibit ancient artifacts and historical local sites that deserve a visit. For example, the church of San Martino houses the famous "Madonna and Child" by Francesco della Corte. Furthermore, visiting the Augustinian Convent is a journey through time, as the structure has been restored to its former glory, as I mentioned earlier.
Villanova d'Asti is also famous for its local cuisine. The area is known, in fact, for the production of the famous Barbera d'Asti wine. So don't miss out on a wine tasting accompanied by local dishes based on mushrooms and truffles, two of the typical products of this area.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the city of Villanova d'Asti is a true gem of northern Italy. With its history and traditions, it offers visitors a window into the past, as well as an unforgettable experience in its enchanting beauty. Come and visit Villanova d'Asti, it will welcome you with open arms!
