Comune Sezzadio

piazza Piazza della Libertà, 37 - 15079 Sezzadio (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 703.119
Fax: +39 (0131) 703.240
E-mail: protocollo@comunedisezzadio.it
http://www.comune.sezzadio.al.it/

The origin of the name "Sezzadio" is uncertain; it can be attributed to "Sexadium" to a town distant six stadiums from Via Aemilia Scauri, which connected Piacenza to Ventimiglia. Sezzadio probably originated in the second or first century B.C. as the territory of Sezzadio was well suited for agricultural exploitation by the Romans and a "post station" for Roman travellers. One of the most significant stories of the history of the town, is that it is the birthplace of Aleramo (934), founder of the Marquises of Monferrato. Sezzadio was already a Municipality in the early 13th century, it had a markedly feudal imprint and the population suffered invasions and devastations due to the relations between the different feudal lords of the area. The visit of Sezzadio begins from its oldest monument, the Abbey of Santa Giustina, founded by King Liutprando towards 722, period of which the crypt is preserved. The Abbey was then restructured and entrusted to the Benedictines at the beginning of the 11th century, who gave it a mark of simple majesty on the exterior, to which corresponds the decorative richness of the interior, in particular of the 14th and 15th century frescoes of the Lombard school, true treasure of the church. Sezzadio is also home to another important medieval monument, the small Church of Santo Stefano, also known as Santa Maria di Banno, which dates from the 12th century.

The parish church of the Immaculate Conception dates from the late 19th century, its majestic forms stand out in the profile of the village: the rich cupola and the bell tower are already visible from a great distance in the surrounding plain.

The Village has recently created an interesting project of widespread hospitality: on several significant points of the territory, panels have been inserted with a QR code which scanned with a mobile phone permits to activate an audio guide in Italian or English which tells the story and characteristics of the place/monument