Two Municipalities, two millennial stories, a magical fusion: ninety years of… San Paolo Solbrito.
Landscape.
San Paolo Solbrito rises in the north of Asti.
It was born from the merger, in 1928, of the Municipalities of San Paolo della Valle and Solbrito.
It covers an area of 11.87 km² and has a population of about 1200 inhabitants.
It is about 24 km from Asti, the provincial capital.
History.
The first settlements date back to the Ligurians.
The town was ruled by the Romans and then, in medieval times, it passed under the dominion of powerful local families including the Riccio.
Subsequently, the lands passed to the king of Naples, Robert of Anjou, to the Visconti, and to the Savoy.
The Colli family was the last owner of the fief of Solbrito.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Agricultural center.
Among the typical products, those related to wine, hazelnuts, poultry products, and Piedmontese breed meats take on particular importance.
To be seen.
The parish church of Saint Paolo is located in Piazza Rissone, next to the municipal building.
The parish church of Solbrito was built in the eighteenth century.
San Paolo Solbrito had two fortresses, of which only one is still visible: it is the Solbrito Castle (Castello di Solbrito), today privately owned.
Of the San Paolo Castle (Castello di San Paolo), however, no traces remain.
In truth, there is also a third “manor” (privately owned) in the town: the splendid Palazzo dei Conti Gay di Montariolo.
Also, worth seeing is the Sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Vico, known as Madonna di Serra.
It should also be noted that in the hall of the Municipal Council of San Paolo Solbrito the jaw of a mastodon (prehistoric animal) is kept.
Curiosity.
It was born from the merger, in 1928, of the Municipalities of San Paolo della Valle and Solbrito.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of San Paolo Solbrito
Cover image source: Provincia di Asti