Cantarana: the queen of the waters who underwent the (small) glaciation...
Landscape.
The toponym Cantarana, probably of Celtic origin, derives from the important presence of waterways in the area.
The town covers an area of 9.72 km² and has a population of about 1000 inhabitants.
It is about 15 km far from Asti, the provincial capital.
History.
In the classical age, Bona was founded, the village on which Cantarana subsequently developed.
The name of Cantarana is mentioned in 1356 under the dominion of the lords of Malabaila.
In the sixteenth century, a small glaciation of the area took place: this event will lead to the swamping of the major valley.
In the early eighteenth century, the domain passed to the Cacherano d’Osasco (until 1898).
In 1929 Cantarana was merged with the Municipality of Villafranca d'Asti; independence was regained in 1947.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Agnolotti and soused tench are the protagonists of the table in Cantarana: a festival in the month of August is dedicated to the two delicious dishes.
Regarding wines, the productions of Barbera d'Asti and Freisa d'Asti are important.
To be seen.
The parish church dedicated to Saint Giovanni Battista stands on the main square of the village, where the municipal building is located.
The building, in baroque style, is characterized by the imposing 44 meters high bell tower, one of the highest in the province of Asti.
Also, worth seeing is the pretty Church of Saint Nazario (14th and 15th centuries), on the Bricco Grosso hill, the Church of Saints Donato e Gaetano, demolished in 1926 following a landslide and rebuilt on the opposite side of the road, the country church of Santissima Trinità and the mural by Barbara Galizia, made in 2005.
Curiosity.
In the Bonoma area, there is the Aqueduct Città di Asti.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Cantarana
Cover image source: Municipality of Cantarana