Description

The City of Canale

The City of Canale sits at the bottom of the namesake valley, 8 km or so from Alba, 23 from Asti and about 50 from Turin, exactly in the same spot it was funded back in the year of God 1260. The founders of Canale a few rich bankers and traders (one of which was named Roero), could have built the village higher up on the surrounding steep hills, where Camomplin is for example, a place certainly healthier than the foggy valley bottom where Canale sits now, and with a better view of the surroundings.
We can only speculate that the founders of Canale, being bankers, were mostly super conservative persons, careful not to spend their money in frivolous endeavors. So we can safely assume that spending their florins for the well being of their vassals and serfs, or providing them with healthier surrounds and a spectacular view of the Western Alps was not one of their priorities when funding Canale. On top of that the village had little to offer to invading armies or marauders: these people had a better chance of raping women and stealing wealth in nearby Alba, Bra or Montà’. So defending the place was not a priority either. I am certain in my belief that this is why Canale sits at the bottom of a Valley whereas Cisterna, 4 Km away, is located on the top of a hill.
With no view whatsoever, fog all winter long, poor roads (pathways and tracks) linking the village to civilization around, costly and treacherous journeys to and forth from Alba or Bra to secure needed supplies of food or tools or technology, the inhabitants of Canale became shy, introvert, pale faced and self-reliant.  So the landscape, the foggy winters, and the shyness, introversion and self-reliance of Canale’s inhabitants explain the City Canale is today: a place where you find more shops (bakeries, delicacy shops, butchers, veggies, ice cream parlors, fashion, pizzerias, restaurants, finger and exotic food, bars, etc .. etc..)  per inhabitants than nearby Alba, Asti or Turin, of super quality at unbelievable affordable prices.
The maps will assist you in your quest for food, fashion, and whatever you need and, generally increase the income of our artisans, shopkeeper and wine makers for which they are very grateful.
In 2010, the last year for which Wikipedia supplies any stats about Canale, the number of people living in the city and surroundings was 5791 souls.

(By Eaglebird)