ATS ViviMonferrato ETS
Località Piano 32/B, 15070 Lerma, AL
CF:90028290063 - RUNTS: Rep. n° 3040
cell: 351-7660812
IBAN: IT42 M035 7601 6010 1000 3949146
Albugnano-Mele, Abbeys, Churches and Nebbiolo
A wonderful territory, rich in treasures... even to taste
Of Roman origin (probably an ancient villa), Albugnano’s fate is closely tied to the Abbey of Vezzolano. Of the settlement of Vezzolano, nothing remains but a place name, but the abbey has been and remains the true star of the municipal territory. The imposing structure dominates the area, but set aside, almost subdued and reserved, we also find the small Romanesque-Gothic church of San Pietro de Fenestrella.
What we will see: our visit, more than to the town of Albugnano itself, is therefore directed to the Abbey of St. Mary, even though it is actually a canonica.
To prepare for the visit to the “mistress” of Albugnano and to get into the spirit of the Romanesque, we will make a brief visit to the Cemetery Church of San Pietro. The small church in 1235 was entrusted by the bishop of Vercelli to the Provost of the Canonica of Vezzolano. It is located inside the cemetery, surrounded by the splendid rural landscape of the Asti area.
It has a long history of abandonment and restoration, which we will retrace by observing its composite architectural features, but the Romanesque-Gothic imprint is clear.
The Canonica of Vezzolano is, unlike San Pietro, an imposing work with many hidden wonders. Just to mention one, the internal “rood screen” which is a very rare example of medieval polychrome sculpture and is believed to have been commissioned by Frederick Barbarossa. Another fascinating element is the cloister with frescoes by the Master of Montiglio (see the famous chapel dedicated to St. Andrew of the Castle of Montiglio). But let’s not reveal more.
In the territory of the Canonica, since 1996, a committee for the protection of the landscape has been established which, based on nineteenth-century documents, has created a fruit orchard. The apple tree is the main crop due to its resistance and adaptability to the Piedmontese climate. We suggest a visit, for those interested, to discover the different varieties of apple trees. Preferably during the flowering period (April-May) or before the harvest (September-October).
However, Albugnano still has more to offer, especially for those who know and appreciate wine. It is the land of Nebbiolo di Albugnano, a D.O.C. wine with countless nuances, aged from 18 months to three years. A must try.
Duration: about 3 hours. It depends on what you wish to visit besides the churches.
Dogs: not allowed, but please ask
Contribution for the association: to be defined
Clothing: comfortable
For information call 351-7660812
or write to
contatti@vivimonferrato.it
ATS ViviMonferrato ETS
Località Piano 32/B, 15070 Lerma, AL
CF:90028290063 - RUNTS: Rep. n° 3040
cell: 351-7660812
IBAN: IT42 M035 7601 6010 1000 3949146