siege of canelli

Published June 19, 2009 at 6:34 a.m.
310395-siege-of-canelli Less than 10 minutes away from Casa Dolcetto lies Canelli where tomorrow, Saturday 19th June 2009, sees the Historical Commemoration of 'The Siege of Canelli' which took place in 1613.

During the Roman period there was a settlement in the area as shown by archaeological findings. In the Middle Ages a castle was built to defend the important roads leading to the strategic harbours of Savona and Vado.

The most celebrated event in the history of the town was the Siege in 1613. The previous year, Francesco Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, with succession rights to the Monferrato area where Canelli lies, died. The Duke of Savoy, Carlo Emanuele I, was the maternal grandfather of Gonzaga's daughter and decided to defend the family's rights to the Monferrato.

In June 1613, Carlo Gonzaga, Duke of Nevers, crossed the Belbo river with his forces and lay siege to the town. The town resisted thanks to the courageous resistance of the very small military garrison and with the support of the population. The Duke of Savoy rewarded the town with a thirty year tax exemption.

We are looking forward to our second 'Siege' tomorrow!

The Program of events is as follows:

from 10.30 a.m.: people prepare the entertainments.

3.30 p.m. : FIRST RUMOURS OF WAR - The peasants leave the country areas and seek shelter within the town walls. The troops begin to move.

4.00 p.m. : THE TOWN DURING THE SIEGE - The warring cries approach and grow closer. The enemy presses at the gates. The captains announce the beginning of the siege.

5.30 p.m. : THE FIRST BLOODY COMBAT - In the fields surrounding the castle, a bitter combat is underway. The Mantuan troops inflict heavy losses on the Savoyards. Those wounded are healed and the fallen are buried in a common grave.

8.00 p.m. : THE LONG NIGHT OF THE BESIEGED - While the besieged dine in inns and taverns, the enemy sets the castle on fire. The captain of the guards asks the local people for help. So the men and women of Canelli set to work and succeed in putting out the huge fire.



Back | Read more at Casa Dolcetto

Tagthis You must log in to tag articles
Separate tags with commas
Rate this now!
  • Average rating: 2.9
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Number of ratings: 51 - Average rating: 2.9