Agliano Terme, the source of wellness in the Monferrato area.
Landscape.
Agliano Terme rises on the extreme southern side of the Monferrato.
It covers an area of 15.45 km² and has a population of about 1600 inhabitants.
It is 17 km from Asti, the provincial capital.
The international reputation of Agliano Terme is easily deduced from its toponym: in 1770 in a field of Agliano, a spring source was discovered that emitted a peculiar smell, deriving from the sulfur, then used by the inhabitants to cure the most disparate diseases.
The waters of Agliano, the Fons Salutis, and the Fonte di San Rocco, are today considered among the most complete to treat inflammatory diseases of the digestive system and, if inhaled, help to relieve the problems of the upper respiratory tract.
History.
The first signs of the existence of Agliano Terme date back to 400 AD.
Agliano acquired renown in the Middle Ages for the famous Bianca Lancia, a splendid woman who was fascinated by Frederick II of Swabia.
The town was then a theater of war between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, and later it was aggregated to the dominions of the Savoy.
During the wars between the Duke of Savoy and the Spaniards for the succession of Monferrato, Agliano had to succumb to multiple disasters, including the destruction of its castle.
In modern times, Agliano distinguished itself for the fight against the fascist regime: for this reason, in 1998, the municipality was awarded the gold medal for partisan value.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Agliano Terme is a territory with a strong wine vocation.
Here are produced various fine wines, including Barbera d'Asti DOC, Barbera d'Asti, Freisa d'Asti, Dolcetto, Cortese, Brachetto and Chardonnay.
To “lady” Barbera are dedicated events of absolute appeal as the Barbera Fish Festival, dedicated to the encounter between the Norwegian cod and Barbera d'Asti, Barbera Unplugged, and the Giornate della Barbera.
Agliano Terme is home to the Agenzia di Formazione Professionale delle Colline Astigiane, an important school dedicated to catering operators.
To be seen.
The parish Church of Saint Giacomo Maggiore is the oldest and richest of works of art in the municipal area.
Also, worth seeing is the deconsecrated church of the Confraternity of Saint Michele, the Sanctuary of Annunciazione, the Aqueduct Tower (visitable).
Finally, the wetland of Paludo, the viewpoint of Bricco Roche, the panoramic terrace in via Dante and a colorful vineyard located at the entrance to the town are worthy of note.
Curiosity.
In 1996, the name of the municipality changed from Agliano d'Asti to Agliano Terme.
Another curiosity is linked to the figure of Bianca Lancia, who is said to be the only woman truly capable of conquering the difficult heart of Frederick II of Swabia.
Their troubled love is the subject of legend.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Agliano Terme
Cover image source: Provincia di Asti