Bubbio: the junction between Bormida valley and Astigiano where the land perfume of Moscato, hazelnuts and Robiola di Roccaverano.
Landscape.
Bubbio stands at the crossroads of Roman roads between the Bormida Valley and the Asti area.
It covers an area of 15.76 km² and has a population of about 840 inhabitants.
It is 40 km from Asti, the provincial capital.
History.
The first document that mentions is made of Bubbio dates back to 1142, but the area was already inhabited in Roman times.
In 1205 Bubbio was sold to Manfredo II of Saluzzo for the ridiculous sum of 200 lire.
In 1300 first belonged to the Marquis of Saluzzo and subsequently to that of Monferrato.
It is in 1464 that Bubbio obtained its own municipal statutes.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Bubbio is one of the municipalities belonging to the Langa Astigiana, home of the famous Robiola di Roccaverano.
The most refined palates will also appreciate the local confectionery specialties, and wine production is flourishing.
Among the wines of the territory, we highlight Moscato, Brachetto, Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Chardonnay, and Cortese.
The main event of the town is certainly the Polenta Festival (Sagra del Polentone), the first Sunday after Easter; the polenta is prepared by the expert hands of the local Pro Loco volunteers with the very fine variety of eight-row corn.
To be seen.
The current eighteenth-century structure of the castle stands where a manor of medieval origin once stood.
Also, worth seeing is the parish church of the Assunta (1750-1779), the Oratory of Disciplinati, Casa Sizia, and the Chapel of Nostra Signora delle Grazie.
It should be noted that vases, amphorae, and furnishings of Roman origin were found in the chapel of Saint Luigi.
The Municipal Palace stands on the main square of the town.
There are several rural churches: the one of Saint Grato is worth visiting.
Absolutely not to be missed, in the Sant’Ippolito Region, is also the Quirin Mayer Sculpture Park, an en plein air art space.
Finally, the Schaulager Q. & R. Mayer Art Gallery and the giant pencils – with a panoramic frame – in the Sant'Ippolito Region are worthy of note.
Curiosity.
The origins of the famous Polentone di Bubbio mix between history and legend.
It is said, in fact, that a group of coppersmiths, having reached the end of their strength in Bubbio, received cornmeal from the local lord.
They decided to use the gift to cook a huge polenta, in the square, to feed the entire population.
The noble gesture is still recalled today, and the event attracts hundreds of tourists from all over Italy every year.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Bubbio
Cover image source: Municipality of Bubbio