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
Quargnento - The village and the Basilica of St. Dalmazio
Let's explore a village in Lower Monferrato to discover its most famous artists
Quargnento, nestled in the Alessandria plain with views of the surrounding hills, in addition to being the birthplace of the painter Carlo Carrà, one of the fathers of Italian Futurism, is a city of ancient origins. Its name most likely derives from the Latin “quadraginta,” meaning forty, the miles to be traveled to reach Turin. This is how the Romans used to name settlements along the main roads to indicate the distances from the larger cities. For example: LU stands for LV (fifty-five), Sezzadio stands for “sexadium” (sixty), etc.
What we will see: our visit focuses on the Basilica of San Dalmazio. Documentation of its existence dates back to the moment of its consecration in 1110 by Pope Paschal II, but its construction dates back to the first centuries after Christ on the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Diana, goddess of the hunt.
The building has undergone several modifications, the most important following the almost total destruction ordered by Frederick Barbarossa starting in 1270. Due to this succession of interventions up to the 19th century, the neo-Gothic facade, from the 19th century, is accompanied by a Romanesque apse from the eleventh century. Architectural and pictorial styles follow one another, making the church a very interesting and admirable testimony to the history of these places and the artists who worked there.
Among these we can admire the Polyptych by Gandolfino da Roreto (late 15th – first half of the 16th century). Recently restored, in 2019, its dating is not certain but, in the Lombard style, it dates to the painter’s maturity. We are faced with a work of the early Piedmontese Renaissance. During the visit we will delve into its main aspects, both in terms of the subject and the more formal ones. We will then talk about the Liberty-style frescoes by the painter Vincenzo Boniforti (1866-1904). But let us not forget that we are in a sacred place elevated to the rank of minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1992 for spiritual reasons. The history of the life and relics of San Dalmazio is fundamental to understanding the spirit that animates the community of Quargnento and its deep bond with this church.
We can then continue the visit with a walk through the streets of the center and observe the permanent exhibition of some works by Carrà.
Duration: about 2 hours
Dogs: not allowed
Contribution for the association: to be defined
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