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MARETTO |
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Comune
di Maretto
P.zza Monte Cervino 1
Tel. 0141/938170
Mayor: Felice Riccio
Population: 361
Altitude: 240 a.s.l.
Carabinieri: Villafranca d’Asti
Tel. 0141/943448 |
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| HISTORY |
The
name Maretto comes from the Latin Maletum/Meletum,
meaning apple orchard or place with many
apple trees. The village is probably of
Roman origin, and where the centre once
was there is a stone dedicated to San
Michele commemorating the former church,
where the site of the ancient cemetery
can still be made out. At the end of the
Carolingian empire Maletum came under
the jurisdiction of the bishops of Asti.
In 1417 it passed to the Pelletta family
of Montafia, until 1577, then the Savoys,
after which it followed the fates of the
royal house.
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Maretto
lies in the hills to the west of Asti.
The population is spread between the main
village and a number of smaller hamlets
and isolated houses. While in the past
it was mainly a farming village, farming
activity has decreased due to people moving
away or commuting out of the area for
work. Now there are only 12 fully operational
farms, though the countryside still maintains
its agricultural aspect.
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| ART
AND ARCHITECTURE |
| On
the road leading to the edge of the village
is the beautiful Chiesa Parrocchiale, dedicated
to Santi Maria e Michele, with the adjacent
bell tower. This church was built in the first
half of the 18th century. The eighteenth century
façade is in brickwork on two levels,
featuring small slender pilasters. The interior
is completely decorated and has a nave and
side chapels. The altar dates back to 1740. |
| EVENTS |
| Maretto
has an efficient Pro Loco association with
a good-sized hall and sports equipment. It
organises two annual events: the “Carnevale
di Maretto” in February and the Patron
Saint’s Day of Madonna del Carmine on
the last Sunday in July. The events are for
locals and visitors too, and provide a great
chance to get to know village traditions. |
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