Moncalvo: discovering the smallest city in Italy
Landscape.
Moncalvo is the smallest city in Italy.
It covers an area of 17.42 km² and has a population of approximately, 2700 inhabitants.
It is about 20 km from Asti, the provincial capital.
History.
It was in the early 1300s that Moncalvo passed under the domination of the Paleologi and in that same period its castle developed, which gave accommodation to illustrious personalities of the time.
After the Paleologi, Moncalvo passed into the hands of Gonzaga and then the Savoy.
Since 1705 the village of Moncalvo boasts the title of City.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Moncalvo boasts top quality wines such as Barbera, Grignolino, and Freisa.
The city of Moncalvo is also a land of truffles: in the month of October, in fact, the renowned Truffle Fair takes place here.
Among the typical dishes of the Moncalvese cuisine, we remember the mixed fried Monferrina, the great mixed boiled meat called “alla moncalvese”, the agnolotti, the finanziera, and the "bunet".
To be seen.
The churches of Moncalvo house precious paintings by Guglielmo Caccia known as “il Moncalvo” (1568-1625) and his daughter Orsola Maddalena
Do not miss the paintings exhibited in the parish church dedicated to Saint Francesco.
The mighty bastions built in the 12th century are still visible from the ancient castle.
The moat of the castle is the “lions' den” for lovers of the game of “tambass”.
The historic center of Moncalvo is embellished by the presence of notable medieval buildings (Casa Lanfrancone and Casa Montanari, above all).
In Piazza Garibaldi, however, the Belvedere Bonaventura is worth a visit
Noteworthy are also some stately homes: Palazzo Dal Pozzo, Palazzo Manacorda, Palazzo Testafochi.
The Town Hall is housed in what was once a convent of the Ursuline nuns.
In piazza Carlo Alberto we find the municipal theater and the Synagogue.
Finally, among the civil buildings, Villa Foà is worthy of note.
Curiosity.
Moncalvo was the capital of the Marquisate of Monferrato.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Moncalvo
Cover image source: Municipality of Moncalvo