Tonco protagonist: from the Pitu ancient carousel to the smallest sanctuary in Italy.
Landscape.
Tonco rises in the Low Monferrato.
It covers an area of 11.78 km² and has a population of about 850 units.
It is about 17 km from Asti, the provincial capital.
History.
The sources are uncertain, but historians believe that the first settlements in Tonco were the work of the Ligurians and the Gauls.
The Lords of Tonco were the first feudal lords of the territory, which later passed to the Marquis of Monferrato, the Turco family, and the Natta.
Administration.
In Piazza Lanfranco, there is the Unione Monferrato Valleversa, established on 30 November 2000.
Food and wine and typical products.
The bagna cauda is the protagonist, in November, of the La Grandiosa Bagna Cauda di Gerardo.
Another key event in the Tonchese area is the Pitu Ancient Carousel (Antica Giostra del Pitu).
To be seen.
To see the majestic parish church dedicated to Saints Maria Assunta e Giuseppe, the Church of Saint Giovanni Evangelista, and the Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice.
The streets of the historic center are also characterized by the succession of ancient gates of fine workmanship
The fulcrum of events, associative life, and schools is instead Villa Toso.
Among the prestigious buildings, Palazzo Mensio is worthy of note, now privately owned.
Tonco also offers interesting naturalistic ideas with the fascinating panoramic roads, the Bialbero in Cascina Piane, and the “La Tunchina” Giant Bench.
Still, on the subject of artistic installations, there is a bench made of pallets and a bench made of pencils, a giant wheelbarrow with an adjoining window on the hills, giant pencils, and a bicycle in Località San Martino.
Curiosity.
Until 2009, in the Pitu Ancient Carousel (Antica Giostra del Pitu) a real turkey was used (directly from the butchery, and therefore already destined for the slaughterhouse).
Since 2015 a simulacrum (puppet made of fabric) has been used instead.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Tonco
Cover image source: Provincia di Asti