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Regions in Italy Region Piemonte > Province ASTI: Comune of Refrancore

Refrancore

Province of Asti, Piemonte (Piedmont-Piemont) Region, Italy

The Locality: Refrancore is a village and comune in the northwestern province of Asti.

INFO: -- Population: about 1500 inhabitants -- Zip/postal code: 14030 -- Phone Area Code: 0141

HISTORY: The name Refrancore derives from a battle fought between the Franchi and Lombards. The battle was won by the Lombards and the blood spilt by the Franchi tinted a local stream red giving the area the Latin name 'Rivus ex sanguine Francorum' which literally means 'A stream full of the Frankish blood'. This became abbreviated to 'Rivusfrancorum' and eventually Refrancore.
At one time there was a small castle on the hill above Refrancore, a drawing of which appears in Codex Astensis. The last remains of the castle were razed in the 19th Century in preparation for the construction of a Church which was never actually built.

WHAT TO SEE:
On the hill near the site of the ancient Castle, a 15th century 'Ricetto' fort which has remained almost entirly intact. Presently it is used as a kindergarten and old peoples home. The Chapel which was part of the fort has been restored.
In the main square, a clocktower which is all that remains of the 18th Century Parish Church which was demolished at the start of the 20th Century.

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