The locals like to say that the name Cessole comes from ‘c’è il sole’: it’s sunny, but it is more likely that it comes from the name Cissus, which was in frequent use among the Liguri Stazielli people, ancient settlers in the area, defeated by the Romans around 173 BC. However it was not until 1142 that Cessole officially entered history. After changing hands a number of times, and following the fall of the republic of Asti, Cessole maintained its independence until 1315, when it was sold to the Scarampi family, lords of Asti.

If you make the climb up to the little square in front of the church you will be able to take in the hills with their greenery, woods and hazelnut groves, and the unmistakeable silhouette of the Madonna della Neve, where a traditional religious and gastronomic event is held. In the hamlet that has developed along the main road in the valley there are shops and firms.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

On the hilltop are the foundations of the ancient tower. The religious complex designed by the architect Giacomo Carretto, student of Juvarra, one of the key exponents of Baroque, features two churches, one above the other: the upper one is the parish church (Nostra Signora Assunta), while the lower one is the Oratorio della Confraternita dei Disciplinati, also known as the Chiesa dei Battuti.