Capriglio between Romanesque architecture, fossils and local traditions

San Martino: Romanesque architecture and ecclesiastical history

The Church of San Martino stands in the cemetery of Capriglio and has Romanesque origins. Its exterior includes the rear wall of the apse belonging to the original church, as well as arches on the southern side that are covered with lime. The rear wall of the apse therefore belongs to the original church, while the lime-covered arches are located on the southern side.

Another ecclesiastical event associated with the village concerns Margherita Occhiena: she was baptised on the day of her birth in the parish church of Capriglio.

Museo di Mamma Margherita: museum, school and rural life

The Museo di Mamma Margherita is located in the former primary school attended by Giovannino Bosco. It extends over four floors and presents the life of Capriglio's rural community in the 19th century. The building thus combines its former use as a primary school with the museum dedicated to rural life in the 19th century. The four floors distribute the museum spaces across several levels of the historic building. Visitors should therefore allow for several levels of the historic building when planning their visit.

The presentation also covers Capriglio's local geology. Fossil-bearing soil and strata dating back thousands of years make the geological development of the area a subject of the museum. The use of local herbs in cooking and for treating minor everyday ailments is also addressed.

Fossil assemblages and geology in Piedmont

Capriglio has two strata with distinctive fossil assemblages. They are characterised by a high concentration of bivalves and brachiopods that is unique in Piedmont. Bivalves and brachiopods are the two fossil groups that occur in high concentrations in these strata.

Peperone di Capriglio: seeds and harvest season

The few remaining farmers in Capriglio reproduce their own seeds, thereby preserving the tradition of Peperone di Capriglio. This pepper is harvested from mid-August to November. The harvest period therefore extends from late summer into autumn.

Cammino delle Colline Sacre: two stages and churches along the route

Stage 4 of the Cammino delle Colline Sacre from Capriglio to Viale begins in Piazza Mamma Margherita in the centre of Capriglio. After approximately 1 km, the stage reaches the Church of San Secondo di Cortazzone, a masterpiece of Asti Romanesque architecture. From Piazza Mamma Margherita, San Secondo di Cortazzone lies ahead before the route continues towards San Giorgio di Bagnasco.

The stage then follows the curved contours of the hills halfway up the slope and leads close to the Romanesque Church of San Giorgio di Bagnasco.

Stage 3 of the Cammino delle Colline Sacre from Colle Don Bosco to Capriglio leads into the centre of Capriglio via a short path after passing Cascina Musso. Cascina Musso is passed before the short path to the centre of Capriglio begins.

Biblioteca Comunale Maria Luigia Agagliate: books, materials and study

The Biblioteca Comunale Maria Luigia Agagliate provides books, materials and information for consultation, thereby promoting reading and study. The library's offerings are focused on consultation, reading and study.

For further travel planning, you can also discover Agliano, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Ferrere, Viarigi, Cisterna D'asti, Villafranca D'asti, Loazzolo and Mongardino.

To the main travel overview: Asti.