The village of Calliano lay on the Roman road linking the municipium of Asti to that of Vardagate, which is perhaps the present day Terruggia. Via Marenca also passed through here, an important route in terms of communications between the lands of Monferrato and the plains of Alessandria, and now known as via Venezia, the road of “Moglia” Valle Grana towards the town of Valenza Po. The lords of Calliano included Arrigo in 1194, then Guglielmo VII. In 1681 Calliano was destroyed by French troops.

Calliano lies on the top of the hill between the Grana and Versa rivers. The square is bordered by walls of decorated cement which support the upper part of the village, and above the walls is a walkway with lamp-posts and benches. As you go up you will notice the spiral layout of the village and the interesting shape of many of its houses.

The hills around Calliano are all given over to vineyards (the Barbera and Grignolino grape varieties), creating the geometric patterns which make this area so picturesque. But there are also industrial plants and a chalk quarry. Towards Asti is the sulphuric Pirenta spring, renowned for its therapeutic and detoxifying properties, thanks to its high mineral content.

EVENTS

On the fourth Sunday in June is the “Sagra dell’agnolotto d’asino”. In October, on the third Sunday to be precise, is the Patron Saint’s Day, and the legendary “donkey Palio”, which is preceded by a procession through the town. On Christmas eve there is a nativity procession featuring hundreds of participants, followed by midnight Mass in the presence of a famous choir.