Comune Rocca Grimalda

piazza Senatore Borgata, 1 - 15078 Rocca Grimalda (AL)
Tel. +39 0143 873121
Fax: +39 0143 873494
E-mail: affarigenerali@comuneroccagrimalda.it
http://www.comuneroccagrimalda.it

Some archaeological finds appear to date the first settlements of Rocca Grimalda back to pre-roman times. In 963, the village was part of the territories of the Marquises of Monferrato and later, during the 13th century, became the possession of the Marquises of Gavi and then of the Genoese. After various vicissitudes, it was handed over to the Grimaldi family in the 15th century, which retained possession of it until the 19th century and gave the village its name. From 1736, Rocca Grimalda entered the orbit of the Kingdom of Sardinia and followed the destiny of Piedmont with the Savoy family. At the beginning of the village, we find the Castle, which was a military construction in the 13th century. It was later transformed first with the Trotti, then with the Grimaldi family, into a noble residence with a panoramic garden. A short distance away is the parish church of San Giacomo Maggiore. Datable to the 13th century, with important restoration work of the late 18th century, the interior features a nave and two aisles and the organ dating from 1845 is located in the counter façade. The Church of Santa Limbania, patron saint of mule drivers rises at the southeastern end of the village, on an imposing height. The building could date back to the early middle ages and was modified in the 16th and 17th centuries. Returning towards the centre, we stop on the terrace of Belvedere Marconi where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding towns. There are two oratories in the centre of the village, San Giovanni Battista and Santa Maria delle Grazie; both feature 18th century processional chests. The Lachera Carnival, which is held in late February, is a combination of dance and theatre performance that dates back to the revolt of the people against the lord of the village who claimed to exercise Jus Primae Noctis over the brides. The parade stages a noisy wedding procession full of characters, sounds, flowers and coloured ribbons. Connected to this festival, the Mask Museum was opened in 2000, with the intent of preserving and collecting the material linked to the ceremonial garment. In addition to the garments of the Lachera, the museum exhibits costumes and masks that accompanied the traditional Italian and European festivals.