Fassone and Bionda in the village of the Bisocche: it is not a fairy tale but the snapshot of Villanova d'Asti, the flywheel of the North Asti region.
Landscape.
Villanova d'Asti is located in the Pianalto Astigiano, in the northernmost area of the province of Asti.
It covers an area of 41.95 km² (the third largest in the Astigiano after Asti and San Damiano d'Asti) and has a population of about 5600 inhabitants.
It is about 30 km from Asti, the provincial capital.
History.
The first historical evidence that traces back to the origins of Villanova d'Asti dates back to the times of Otto II of the House of Saxony, who donated a village called Corveglia to the monastery of San Felice di Pavia.
In Corveglia the nuns had a monastery built around which a village called Villanova developed.
Corveglia and Villanova were subsequently sold to the Municipality of Asti.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Villanova d'Asti has always been synonymous of meats of the highest quality, both for the sublime veal from Piedmontese “fassone”, and for the prized blond hen; the famous fair of early October is dedicated to the latter.
To be seen.
The Bisocca di San Martino and that of Supponito represented the two watchtowers, still visible, located respectively to the south and north of the concentric of Villanova.
The historic center of Villanova is dominated by the late medieval town tower.
Also interesting is the Church of Confraternity of Santissima Annunziata.
A few steps away, in the premises of the historic Palazzo Richetta, is the Labor Museum (Museo del Lavoro).
Also, worth seeing, are the parish Church of Saint Martino and the parish church of Saint Pietro in Supponito.
Additionally, worthy of note is the De Robertis Castle (Castello de Robertis), a Franciscan convent transformed into a castle.
The Sanctuary of Beata Vergine delle Grazie is the scene of the famous Festa dell’Infiorata.
Finally, in the hamlet of Corveglia, we find the Castle of Corveglia, whose premises are now used for commercial purposes.
Curiosity.
The proverb “Vilaneuva che na pòrta na treuva” (Villanova, whoever brings it will find some) recalls the importance of the ancient agricultural market of Villanova d'Asti.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Villanova d'Asti
Cover image source: Provincia di Asti