Gottasecca
The town’s name comes from the drought of this area.
It was built in a dominant position, on the Bormida and Uzzone valleys.
Artistically interesting are the tower and the castle ruins.
Not far, the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Assumption, among the woods, is surely worth a visit.
In mid-August a town fair takes place, to honor the Virgin.
History
In 1170 Gottasecca was a feud of the marquis of Ceva; because of its strategic position, it later was owned by the Del Carretto family, the marquis of Monferrato, the Sforza, and finally by the Savoia family.
Gottasecca and its weeping holy stone
Driving further South through the valley, you get to the tiny town of Gottasecca, which is like Sale San Giovanni known for its lavender.
The flowers are blooming around June-July; make sure you visit on time, otherwise the flowers have already been harvested.
There is not much going on in this town, but there is a beautiful legend told about the church that is remarkably located in an isolated spot in the forest, close to the town.
This church was built in the 17th century on the remains of the much older ‘Sancta Maria de Gudega’.
The pig and the sacred stone
The legend goes that on that spot, there once was a holy stone; this stone was excreting an oil that miraculously cured all illnesses.
Of course the stone became a place of worship and hope for people.
Everything changed when one day a farmer came with his ill pig; much to the horror of the bystanders he used the oil to cure his pig.
At that moment, the stone stopped excreting oil and has been dry ever since: some even think that the name of the town refers to this moment that the stone went dry (‘secca’).
Another explanation for the name though, is the dryness of the area in summer.
I always prefer the legend!
Food & Drinks
Gottasecca has its own, excellent pizzeria Quattro Borghi.
Be reminded that in the Langhe pizzas are only made for dinner and hardly ever for lunch.
Agriturismo Cà Veja offers nice food and rooms if you want to stay the night here.