Let's visit one of the Low Monferrato most interesting villages and its important artists
Quargnento lies in the Alessandria plain surrounded by low hills. It is the homeland of the painter Carlo Carrà, one of the fathers of Italian Futurism, and is a city of ancient origins. Its name most likely originates from the Latin "quadraginta", or forty, the miles to travel to get to Turin. Romans used to name the places of their 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.
Description: our visit focuses on the Basilica of San Dalmazio. Documentation of its existence dates back to the moment of the consecration in 1110 by Pope Pasquale II, but its construction dates back to the first centuries a.C. on the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Diana, goddess of hunting.
The building has undergone various modifications; the most important is the one that saw its almost total destruction by Federico Barbarossa and the subsequent reconstruction starting from 1270. Because of the constant reconstructions during several centuries, a neo-Gothic façade (XIX c.) is accompanied by a Romanesque apse (XI c.). Architectural and pictorial styles follow one another until the beginning of the 20th century, making the church a very interesting and admirable testimony of the history of these places and of the artists who worked here.
Among these we will focus on the Polyptych by Gandolfino da Roreto (late XV - and first half of XVI). Recently restored, 2019, its dating is unknown, but it dates back to the painter's maturity. We are facing a work from the early Piedmontese Renaissance. During the visit we will deepen the salient aspects both with respect to the topic covered and the more formal aspects. We will then talk about the Art Nouveau frescoes by the painter Vincenzo Boniforti (1866-1904). We won’t forget that this is a sacred place elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1992 for historical and spiritual reasons. The story of the life and relics of San Dalmazio is essential to understand the spirit of 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 admire the permanent exhibition of some of Carrà's works.
Dogs: not allowed, anyway ask info
Contribution to the association: to be defined
Clothing: Comfortable
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