Pecetto di Valenza: sights, history and trails

Originally it was known as Pecetum Valentinum as it is located near the current Valenza, an important garrison at the time to guard the crossings over the Po. It was built around a large villa, the typical patrician economic structure of the late Republican period and early Roman Empire, a combination of country residence, farm and factory.

It was probably evangelized by the bishop of Pavia San Siro and after the domination Longobarda entered into a part of the Aleramica Brand around the year 1000, then to be fief of the bishop of Vercelli and the lords of Occimiano in the 11th and 12th century.

The dominant position on a branch of the Roman road Julia Augusta which led to the present Asti, whose remains were found in Pellizzari below, near the modern provincial road, made it a place of significant economic and military importance. A castle was in fact built on the top of the tufaceous cliff that dominates the northern part of the town, mentioned in a 13th century imperial bull which lists the benefits granted to the Marquises of Monferrato. All that remains of it are the foundations of a tower and the name "La Rocca" which designates the place, located immediately behind the modern municipal building: Pecetto was in fact long disputed between the Viscontis and the Aleramici and once annexed to the Duchy of Milan it was then involved in the war between the French and the Spanish for dominion in Italy, during which the castle was destroyed in 1557.

Passed to the Savoy there are no special facts in Napoleonic, Risorgimento and modern age, except for the use as a place of observation of the moves of the Austrian army by Vittorio Emanuele II during the Second War of Independence, reprove of its military importance.

• Church of Santa Maria e San Remigio
• Geosito Pecetto di Valenza

The economy of the country is based on agricultural and craft activities related to jewellery processing, due to its proximity to Valenza, from which it took away a certain number of inhabitants attracted by the panoramic view of the place. The location on a long, green hilly prominence oriented from south to north also makes it an ideal destination for cycling excursions, with challenging climbs from Alessandria through Valle San Bartolomeo and from Valenza through Pellizzari or along the Citerna road.

Below is a table relating to the administrations that have succeeded one another in this municipality.