Comune Oviglio

piazza Umberto I, 3 - 15026 Oviglio (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 776.037
Fax: +39 (0131) 776.037
E-mail: sindaco@comune.oviglio.al.it
http://www.comune.oviglio.al.it/it-it/home

The name "Uviliis" seems to derive from the local activities connected with sheep farming. The origins of the town of Oviglio are unknown, but after the year 1000 it was part of the Lega Lombarda and participated in the foundation of the city of Alessandria, an aspect of local history which is traditionally highlighted.
During the Modern Age, Oviglio became less important and one of the lands of the Contado of Alessandria, which administered it.
The most significant place for the troubled history of Oviglio is its castle, which saw many owners: the 14th century manor house stands on an earlier building, a castrum fortified with ramparts, which enclosed a group of houses which has retained the name of "borgo di dentro". In the Middle Ages, it passed first to the Marquises of Monferrato, then to the Marquises of Incisa, to the Visconti and then to the Sforza. It then became the property of different Piedmontese families, including the Perboni and the Calcamaggi. The latter had heavy restoration work carried out on the structure, adding the gracious and artistic entrance to the east and the magnificent overhanging tower, the western entrance was rebuilt, and the spacious main hall restored. The Castle then took the name of "Reale"(Royal) because it was purchased by Her Majesty Queen Maria Cristina of Naples and Sicily, born infanta of the Two Sicilies, venerable widow of His Majesty King Charles Felix of Savoy. The castle is still private property and is used as a venue for weddings and private events.