Villamiroglio is located in the north western
part of the Monferrato, almost close to the Po
Valley, in an area typically hilly, with rounded
hills and flat and relatively large valleys.
Villamiroglio presents territorial characteristics
even very different, which create different habitats
in an ecosystem composed of small micro-areas that
create great richness and botanical variety.
The area of Piedmont where is Villamiroglio was
modeled mainly during the Miocene's period,
initially covered by the waters of the sea basin
that covered much of northern Italy formed during
the Cretaceous, emerged and was again invaded by
tectonic movements caused by the raise of the
Ligurian Apennines, until the final evaporation of
water at the end of this period, and the subsequent
emersion of the Po Valley. These steps led to the
deposition of sediments of mixed limestone and clay,
called marl but here most known as tufa, on which
over time were shaped the sweet hills of the
territory. Tufa formations are still visible in
different parts of the territory of Villamiroglio,
especially along the hillcoast road of Monte Bric
and especially in Monte Croce's area, where is
detected the presence of a particular variety known
as Pietra da Cantoni. Clays are clearly visible in
the soils of the valleys, soils structurally weak at
hydrogeological level, with stratification,
particularly in the vicinity of the rivers, of blue
clay, a variety of marl clay poor of iron formed in
the prior Pliocene. Rockier, however, is the area of
Rairolo, on the slopes, in fact, of the Monte delle
Pietre, today characterized by paths with an almost
mountain flavor and wide meadows. Complex the
hydrological situation present in Villamiroglio,
with four main watercourses in the valleys, the Rio
Marca and its three tributaries, the Rio Santa
Liberata, the Rio Valle del Curto and Rio Valle
Madonnina, and many seasonal streams. In some places
you can see small springs, particularly in the area
called "Garitta" alog the Strada Mezzalfenga and
into the north-west path of Monte Croce, whose top
was leveled by the construction of the storage basin
of the Acqueduct of Monferrato.
From urban side, always the settlements of
Villamiroglio were characterized by a fragmented
structure, with the division in villages and
townships composed mostly of families dedicated to
agriculture, which took place in particular between
the second half of the '800 and the first '900,
around the two main centers of opposite
characteristics, one perched on top of the hill
around the church of SS Philip and Michael, who took
the place of the former parish church and the castle
of Miroglio, and the linear and flat township of
Vallegioliti, on the route to Odalengo Grande. More
detailed texts on historical, artistic-religious and
devotional peculiarities of the territory are
presented in the pages
Historic Places,
Religious Monuments and
Devotional Signs.
The ecosystem of Villamiroglio is particularly
fascinating and full of surprises. Like after the
emergence of the Po Valley, the area is back to
being characterized mainly by woods and uncultivated,
after the recent gradual abandonment of crops
because of the inconvenience and the generally poor
soil fertility. Remain active cultivation of some
vineyards and poplar groves, some young hazelnut
crops and fields of grain or fodder or for the
production of vegetables, but a far less extensive
than in past decades.
The woods yet have a rich biodiversity, the most
widespread species today is the robinia, or gaggia,
specie introduced from the America in the '600 and
becomed today a protagonist of the woody hilly areas
due to its invasiveness. Typical and spread species
are the downy and durmast, and wild cherry trees,
with the presence of increasingly rare species of
oak, ash, chestnut, elm and elder. Other species
that can be found sporadically are the most
mountainous laburnum, ferns and some species of
conifers that create small pine forests, especially
spruce. Wide spread are the shrubs as blackthorn,
hawthorn, dogwood, spindle tree and brambles.
Very rich the herbaceous flora, endless species can
be seen along the trails, in the woods and meadows
of Villamiroglio throughout the year. Depending on
the season you can see many examples of stinking
hellebore already in winter, species with a curious
name, but lovely looking. Follow in spring primroses,
violets, pulmonary, hepatic and buttercups, and we
note the presence of specimens of purple orchids,
particularly in the Monte Bric. In summer blooms
many common flowers such as sage meadow, yarrow, the
sorrel and daisies, but are also found less
widespread species as wild iris, larkspur, lily of
St. John, wild grass pea and even was reported the
presence of a specimen of the rare and protected
yellow foxglove, the rarest among foxgloves. Even
the autumn shows particular species, such as the
popular climbing ivy, clematis and tamaro, goldenrod,
black nightshade and the particular inflorescences
of some teasels. Every corner of Villamiroglio
offers different and fascinating species, a must for
fans of botany is a visit of Area Tram, at the
intersection of the paths of Monte Croce behind the
cemetery, where it grows a really impressive variety
of species of flowers in a really narrow space. For
a more comprehensive list of the trees and flowers
can help you to "browse" the album of the
Herbarium of Villamiroglio in Foto, which
contain images accompanied by information and trivia
about the species so far observed and photographed
in Villamiroglio, or contact for more information or
to take advantage of a local guide for curious walks
Villamiroglio in Foto.
Dodge is the fauna, which offers many specimens of
wild boar, sometimes a source of danger on the roads
and damage to crops, rabbits and reptiles such as
snakes and vipers. Less shy the birds, from
pheasants to small sparrows, chickadees, finches and
swallows up the starlings and the crows and some
birds of prey such as hawks or owls and rare species
of ducks, that from the nearby river Po reach the
watercourses of Villamiroglio. Many of course the
insects like crickets and the colorful butterflies,
with a recent recovery of the presence of
dragonflies and the propagation of tiger mosquitoes.
This site is in NO WAY related to the Administration of the Municipality of Villamiroglio or those who represent it. All images, texts and photographs on this site are the result of the work and of exclusive property of the admin of Villamiroglio in Foto. All material in this site and into the socials of Villamiroglio in Foto is protected by the Law on Copyright (Law 633/1941 and subsequent amendments Legislative Decree no. 22/2014, and Legislative Decree no. / 1632014). Any use or distribution of photographic material, graphic or literary by VIF, including any manipulations or unauthorized modifications, subject to personal use that does not involve any public diffusion, is allowed only with the permission to be requested by mail. It's forbidden any unauthorized use of the material on site. Respect Villamiroglio, respect the law. Thank you.
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