Saliceto

Built along the Bormida river, Saliceto resembles one of the little villages in Liguria: narrow streets, little squares where history has left its marks.

The most evident ones are the XIV-century castle, with its square towers and frescos, the renaissance parish church.

Built in the sixteenth century, the chapel of sant’Agostino, with some fifteenth-century frescos, the little romanic church of san Martino, in the Lignera village.

The patronal church is dedicated to san Lorenzo, and the fair dedicated to the Madonna della Neve, to which the sanctuary is dedicated, is held on the first Sunday in August.

History

The town’s name probably refers to the many willow trees that grew there (in the town’s crest is included a willow tree).

Others say that it comes from the Salii tribe, that came here from Provence and founded many towns, among which Saluzzo, Saluggia and Sale Langhe.

Where today Saliceto stands, there were once two towns, totally destroyed by the Saracins in the X century, as well as a castle built on the “Margarita” hill.

Once the Saracins were gone, the town was rebuilt on the hill’s side, where it still stands, and here the marquis Del Carretto had a majestic castle built.

Saliceto and its sturdy castle

The next town, Saliceto, is located in the Bormida valley of Millesimo and looks a little bit like the little villages in Liguria: narrow streets and squares, where history has left its marks.

The first settlement in Saliceto dates from before the 10th century and it has a great medieval castle that is located at the edge of the village; its original structure dates back to the 13th century.

Historical elements

Originally its purpose was purely military and it was surrounded by a moat and had a drawbridge.

Towards the end of the 15th century, it was rebuilt by the marquis Del Carretto and turned into a noble residence, gradually losing its defensive characteristics; you can visit the castle to see its interior rooms.

The Armoury, decorated with scenes from the life of Christ, is particularly worth a visit; there are also the chapel of Saint Augustine, from the 16th century, featuring some 15th century frescos, and the small Romanic church of San Martino, in the Lignera village.

The patronal church is dedicated to San Lorenzo.

Name debate

There is discussion on what the origin of the name Saliceto is: one explanation is that its name derives from the word Salocetum or ‘salices’ (willow), the tree that appears on its coat of arms.

Alternatively, it might derive from ‘Saliorum Situm’, meaning the place inhabited by the ancient Ligurian Salyes tribe.

Food & Drinks

Agriturismo “La Mesa Verde” is set amidst nature and is highly praised for its food that tastes like it was made ‘once upon a time’, by mothers and grandmothers that knew how to cook; some even call it a little piece of heaven on earth.

Portions are generous and all comes served with much love, at fair prices.

Pasta is always freshly handmade by the cook Justine and all is prepared with local products.

You cannot miss her ravioli pasta (fresh pasta filled with meat) and the raw meat (carne cruda)! If you want to enjoy a complete experience, I suggest you to stop here for the night and sleep in one of their wonderful rooms, with stone walls and historical wooden beds, that will take you back in time.

In the centre of Saliceto you can find the pizzeria “Il Vicoletto” that offers pizzas made with freshly made dough, with different types of flower and with ‘lievito madre’ (mother's yeast).

In the closeby town of Cengio you can visit “Osteria del Castello Alto” dal 1906; they offer a great menu in a traditional setting.