 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
ROATTO |
| |
 |
Comune
di Roatto
P.zza Piemonte 2
Tel: 0141/938114
E-mail: comuneroatto@libero.it
Mayor: Giuseppe Boero
Population: 371
Altitude: 256 a.s.l.
Carabinieri: Villafranca d’Asti
tel: 0141/933448 |
|
|
|
| |
According
to some historians, the name “roatto”
derives from “rulus”, meaning
thorn, but there are older records indicating
that it derives from the Medieval dialect
word of French origin “ruà”,
meaning district or street. A marble altar
dedicated to Neptune dating back to 200
AD attests to the presence of Roman landowners
in the area. In the second half of the
12th century Roatto came under the jurisdiction
of the Commune of Asti. The land then
passed to the lords of Montafia, before
being included in the Duchy of Savoy.
|
| LOCAL
AREA - ECONOMY |
| Situated
in a hilly area, the commune of Roatto is
crossed by the Rio Triversa and takes in part
of the two parallel hillsides which extend
northwards from Villafranca. For centuries
the economy has been linked to the use of
the natural resources of the hills and valley
area, in terms of farming activities, which
are currently in decline. |
| ART
AND ARCHITECTURE |
| The
castle of Roatto lies on top of the hill in
the centre of the village, beside the parish
church. At its entrance is an ancient cypress
tree, and its doorway is painted with the
coat of arms of the Raggi Marquisate, the
current owners. The parish church, dedicated
to SS. Michele e Radegonda, was built in Neorenaissance
style between 1888 and 1890. It still boasts
a beautiful main altar. |
| EVENTS |
| The
Patron Saint’s Day of S. Radegonda is
celebrated on 11 August. As well as the religious
part of the celebrations, there are various
recreational, sporting and cultural events.
There is also a Carnival, organised by the
local tourist board on the first Sunday in
Lent. During this event there is a procession
of floats, and games which include guessing
the weight of the pig. |
|
|
|
|
 |
