Odalengo Grande
CASALE AREA
Zip Code 15020
Address: piazza s. defendente, 1
Phone: +39 0142 949021
E-Mail: odalengo.grande@ruparpiemonte.it
Web:
Population: 524
Altitude: mt. 390
Tipology: hill
History, art and traditions
Odalengo Grande existed before the X century. It belonged to the Marquises of Monferrato, to whom it was confirmed by Federico Barbarossa in 1164. It followed the fortunes of Monferrato and was made into a fief to several local lords, including the counts Gozzani of Treville. Very little remains of the ancient castle. The Romanesque tower of the old church of Montalero still stands (tower of San Quirico). San Vittore is the patron saint (he is celebrated the Sunday after the 8th May). The parish community is united under the single name of San Quirico, from the old parish church in the valley, which still ahs the tower. There are four churches in the main town and settlements S. Antonio, Cicengo and Vallestura.
Tourism on-the-go
Around Monte Favato (Montalero di Cerrina, Odalengo Grande, Montalero di Cerrina), marked trail n 711 lasting about 3 hours; equipment - boots, recommended period - autumn, winter, spring. A lovely walk around the highest peak in the Monferrato, exhilarating scenery with view of the Sanctuary of Santuario di Crea and over the vineyards.
What to see
The tower of San Quirico. From the Roman era, the first floor from the bottom is made of tuff ashlars (sandstone), of fine manufacture, decorated with interwoven suspended archways and notching, the rest is made from brickwork; once, in the past the old parish church of S. Quirico stood here. Church of San Vittore. Finished in 1786 by the Marquis Gozzani perhaps designed by Magnocavalli; it has a fine, candid façade with Palladian lines, characterised by the giant order of the Corinthian columns and by the tympanum with coat of arms. Church of San Grato. Early 1700s. The façade has austere forms and has the typical nature of baroque churches. Fortified castle-manor home. The complex is characterised by a "C" layout with internal courtyard; the two smaller arms have porticoes; the windows and doors facing onto the courtyard have a simple frame and the overall appearance is sober and austere. Note the small round tower jutting out at the corner, with the typical gothic form.
What to taste
The product of Odalengo Grande par excellence: the doc wines of the Monferrato.