The door of the Langa of Asti “wounded” by the fury of the French: Cassinasco, where Pavese dreamed of seeing the sea.
Landscape.
Cassinasco is defined as the gateway to the Langa of Asti.
It covers an area of 11.84 km² and has a population of about 580 inhabitants.
It is about 34 Km from the provincial capital, Asti.
History.
The original nucleus of Cassinasco is thought to have been founded by a tribe of Ligurians.
The area was then occupied by Romans, Lombards, and Franks.
In the Middle Ages, it passed into the hands of Aleramo del Monferrato.
Subsequently, Cassinasco was subjected to the dominion of the Guttuari and the Sforza.
In 1615 the village was burned by the French, allies of the Savoy; the latter was attacked by the locals while the troops were in transit. After the violent destruction, the town became a possession of the Savoy
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Cassinasco is famous for its desserts (especially amaretti and nougat).
Wine production is also important with the cultivation of the Moscato grape.
To be seen.
The remains of the ancient castle of Cassinasco, destroyed in 1615, are represented by a tower with a square plan 20 meters high—which can be visited—which offers a splendid panoramic view over the entire circle of the Alps.
In its vicinity stands the parish church of Saint'Ilario di Poitiers.
On the other hand, the Church of Saint Ilario, is isolated.
Also, worth seeing is the Church of Saint Massimo, the Sanctuary of Caffi (Santuario dei Caffi), and the Chapel of Saint Antonio.
Finally, among the vineyards of the Cà ed Cerutti winery, we find a giant light blue bench.
Curiosity.
The medieval tower, in stone, belonged to the ancient castle of Cassinasco still bears the “scars”—a deep gash that pierces it—of the violent fights of 1615 that lead to the destruction of the fortress.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Cassinasco
Cover image source: Provincia di Asti