Getting married in a castle: in Castell'Alfero, the birthplace of the Italian tricolor, the dream becomes reality.
Landscape.
Castell'Alfero rises in the Low Monferrato.
It covers an area of 20.09 km² and has a population of about 2700 inhabitants.
It is about 12 km from the provincial capital, Asti.
History.
A historical event to remember occurred in 1159 when the emperor Federico Barbarossa confirmed two villas, now disappeared, under the jurisdiction of Asti: those of Barche and Cassano, falling within the territory of Castell'Alfero.
In the Astese Code, there is confirmation that Castell'Alfero was subjected to the power of Asti in 1189.
The origins of Castell'Alfero are to be found in the transfer to the hills of the inhabitants in the plain of the Versa, under the precious protection of the Asti inhabitants.
In the mid-fourteenth century, Castell'Alfero passed as a dowry to Valentina Visconti.
The town was sacked and set on fire in 1616 during the Monferrato war of succession.
In 1640 the fiefdom passed into the hands of Alessandro Amico who indicated his residence in the castle, a symbol of the town.
The building was purchased in 1905 by the Municipality and still houses the municipal offices.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Callianetto, a hamlet of Castell'Alfero, is known for the quality of its Piedmontese mixed fry.
In the area, you can also taste excellent wines, including Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, and Freisa.
In Castell'Alfero in 1774 Giovan Battista De Rolandis was born, creator of the Italian flag Tricolour, while in 1808 Gianduja was born in Callianetto, the carnival mask symbol of Piedmont.
Also in the village is the Rock Aid Ceroankio event, while in April, through the streets of the town, the Living Via Crucis recalls the passion of Christ.
The main sport of Castell'Alfero is the tambourine.
To be seen.
The village is dominated by the splendid Castle of Amico Counts (Castello dei Conti Amico), also seat of the Town Hall.
In its basement is housed the 'L Ciar Museum (Museo 'L Ciar).
Also, worthy of a visit are the parish church of Saints Pietro and Paolo, the Church of Santissima Annunziata, the splendid Church of Madonna della Neve, the Confraternity of Santissima Annunziata, the Ciabot 'd Gianduja, the Rose Garden of the Surprise (Roseto della Sorpresa) and the Big White Red Bench.
Curiosity.
The American musician and composer Alan Silvestri is an Honorary Citizen of Castell'Alfero.
His grandmother, Eugenia, was born here.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Castell'Alfero
Cover image source: Municipality of Castell'Alfero