Pollentia

Pollenzo ( Poland's Piedmontese ) is a village in the district of Piedmont and of Bra in the Province of Cuneo. It is located four kilometers east of Bra and 13 km west of Alba on the Tanaro near the mouth of the river Stura di Demonte.

History

The ancient Pollentia lay in the landscape Ligures Bagienni on the southern section of the Via Vulvia between Appenninus and the headwaters of the Padus. One already mentioned by Pliny ( Nat.Hist. , III, 5, 49) suspected pre-Roman settlement has not yet been archaeologically demonstrated. The city was founded probably in the period around 125 BC to 123 BC during the time of the campaigns of the Filvius. For the Romans, the city had, once with a very large amphitheater, an important strategic role in the transit area between the Po Valley, Alpine passes and the Ligurian coast. It was located along with nearby centers Alba Pompeia and Augusta Bagiennorum ( Bene Vagienna ) at the intersection of various routes, which were in the 2nd century BC for the progressive occupation of the territory by the Romans fundamental. The city was famous for its wool and ceramic production. During the war Mutinensischen Pollentia took 43 BC party for Mark Antony. Until the 5th century Pollentia is occupied as a thriving city with sprawling estates.

Stilicho went to Easter ( April 6th) 402 there in a battle victorious against Alaric I before ( Battle of Pollentia ).

938 the Tanaro valley was devastated by the Saracens. 1218-1242 fell Pollenzo to the free commune of Alba, which was forced to cede it already in 1283 at Montferrat. 1530, came to Savoy.

In 1832 King Carlo Alberto Pollenzo built from a farm house and to his country seat. The last Italian king Victor Emmanuel III. took after his abdication in 1946 the title of Count of Pollenzo.

Attractions

In Pollenzo the archaeological sites can be found with the remains of ancient Pollentia. The most significant products are the rectangular city layout, the necropolis, an aqueduct, walls, theaters, temples, forum and numerous inscriptions. The present village is built in the ancient amphitheater, which is still clearly seen in the unusual oval village complex.

North-west of the village center is the Albertina, the estate from the 19th century, which was built in Neo-Gothic forms. For this, the San Vittore church is in the same style. In the second courtyard of the Albertine complex, the Agenzia will today Slow Food Università di Gastronomic Sciences is housed.

The medieval castle was built by Carlo Alberto for parties. You can not be visited privately owned and.