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MONTABONE |
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Comune
di Montabone
Via Ferraris 6
Tel. 0141/762121
E-mail: com.montabone@libero.it
Mayor: Giuseppe Aliardi
Population: 360
Altitude: 450 a.s.l.
Carabinieri: Bubbio
Tel. 0144/8103 |
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The
historic origins of Montabone lie in the
fertile wine-growing land which surrounds
it. The Romans established numerous estates
here, complete with farmhouses, cellars,
stables and accommodation for slaves and
dependents. As the Barbarians advanced,
the group under the German Abbo settled
on the hill where the castle was situated
– this then became the first urban
area which led to the creation of the
village of Montabone. In 1164 the Emperor
Frederick enfeoffed it to the Monferrato
Marquisate, who lost it to Amedeo of Savoy
in the war of the 11th century.
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| LOCAL
AREA-ECONOMY |
| Most
of the area of Montabone is under vines. Large
estates and small family-run wineries have
lent this tiny village a position of absolute
prestige in the wine industry of the Asti
and Acqui areas. Apart from the traditional
Dolcetto and Barbera grapes there are also
two varieties of great potential in terms
of sweet and dessert wines: Moscato and Brachetto. |
| ART
AND ARCHITECTURE |
| The
layout of Montabone is still that of a Medieval
fortified town, with the entrance defended
by an arched gateway, the main street lined
with stone buildings and at the top, a large,
roundish open space where the castle probably
once stood, which is currently used for sports
and games, with a park area. Beside the town
hall is the Chiesa dei Disciplinati or della
Confraternita dei Battuti. |
| EVENTS |
Montabone
has a good sized area for festivals and fairs.
On the space formerly occupied by the castle
there are heated matches of the local sport
known as ‘pallone elastico alla pantalera’.
On the last Saturday in May: a Medieval event
launched in 2002, which is widely renowned
throughout the region, both for the variety
of costumes and for the beauty of the village,
with its classic Medieval origins.
Last weekend in July: Mid-summer festival,
gastronomic evenings, dances and various games.
Christmas Eve: torch-lit procession around
the village, with live Nativity scenes.
Religious events are on 17 January (Sant’Antonio,
patron saint of Montabone) and 8 May, in the
church of San Vittore. |
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