WTI Magazine #84    2016 October 17
Author : I borghi più belli d'Italia      Translation by:

Ricetto's fortification was built between the 13th century and the 14th century. This is the best preserved fortification of the whole Piemonte. It was used as a warehouse during the periods of peace and as a shelter during the wars. It is 110 meters wide and 120 meters long, covering an area of 13.000 square meters. The walls are on the entire perimeter of the Ricetto, with the exception of the southern side, where there is Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), a neoclassical building constructed in 1819.

The corners of the Ricetto are protected by four round towers, originally opened to facilitate defense operations. The terracotta embellishments are from later periods. The only entrance was in the south side and it was protected by a large towergate, in the north side there were three towers.

Passing the towergate you reach a small square paved with rounded stones from the creek. The largest building is the Prince's Palace, built for Sebastiano Ferrero in 1496, when he became the feudal lord. The ''Rue'' (from the French word for "street") are paved with cobblestones and they are sloping to facilitate the discharge of the rainwater.

The central main rua was built to facilitate the traffic of the carts. Leaving the Ricetto you will find the Church of Santa Maria near the Roggia Marchesa, the canal used to provide water to the sorrounding fields since 1561.

The first mention of the church, modified many times, goes back to 1182. It has an attractive Romanesque facade made with river stones. Inside there are columns with beautiful 15th century capitals and frescoes from the 15th century.

LOCAL DISHES AND PRODUCTS
A salami called ''salam d l'ula'' and also the typical Ciavarin crunchy sweets are the local products.
The ''paletta candelese'' is pork shoulder produced by traditional methods in limited quantities.

THE NAME
The name is maybe related to the pre-Celtic origins of this area but the word ''Ricetto'' is surely from the Latin word ''receptum'' (shelter, refuge) and indicates a fortified place.