Cocconato is one of the villages of Monferrato, in the province of Asti, in Piemonte. Located at 491 meters above sea level, it offers dreamlike views, with hills that stretch for miles. Its geographical position guarantees an enormous climatic advantage, offering mild temperatures, which favors the growth of plants typical of seaside resorts, from palm trees to olive trees. It is for this reason that Cocconato d'Asti is referred to as the Monferrato Riviera.
The history of Cocconato
The name Cocconato derives from the Latin, cum conatu, to indicate the great effort required to reach the impervious hill. The ancient Roman presence is confirmed byinhabited area of Marcellina. The legend of the Pietra Cagnola is linked to this. It is a gold simulacrum in the shape of a dog. It was believed to have the power to make the earth fertile. For this reason it was placed on the harrow. There is evidence of all this but not the Stone itself, thrown together with a golden bust of the emperor inside a deep well, where they could still be today, during the barbarian invasions.
The history of the village is intertwined with that of its Counts. Focus especially on the house of the Radicati. Obtained the fiefdom in the XNUMXth century, it was made an autonomous state, with jurisdictional powers, including minting coins. To remember above all Hannibal, known as Coconat or Coconas, fled to Paris in the service of the king of France, as well as Alberto, political writer who opted for voluntary exile.
What to see in Cocconato
The village is characterized by narrow streets that lead up to the Church, which looks down on the roofs of the many houses. This structure was completed in 1689, and then received several interventions over time. Inside there is a large nave with eight side chapels. Once privately owned, it is undoubtedly one of the most touristic places in the village, able to guarantee a dream panorama.
The tourist heart of the city is Piazza Cavour, full of bars and shops selling typical products. From here it is easy to reach the Palazzo Comunale, passing through narrow characteristic streets, with countless liberty balconies. The structure can be admired for its Gothic style. A rarity, considering how it is a civil building. There is no shortage of other architectural elements to admire, from the Church of SS. Trinità, erected in 1617, in the Church of Santa Caterina, dating back to 1747, passing through the eighteenth-century pharmacy, full of ancient tools and objects of various kinds.
Typical dishes
In this splendid village there is certainly no shortage of typical dishes of the Piedmontese tradition, as well as dishes related exclusively to the town. Try the Robiola di Cocconato, a soft cow's milk cheese with a creamy heart.
There is a wide choice of cooked and raw cured meats, such as the typical ham, which boasts a seasoning that fully benefits from the local climate. In each local tavern and restaurant you can also receive advice on wines to combine with typical dishes. Impossible not to mention the Monferrato DOC, known to most as Barbera d'Asti, Nebbiolo or even Barbera del Monferrato. Dolcetto, a dry and full-bodied red wine, and Freisa, a fruity delight, can also be added to the list.
