The territory of Canelli was already occupied in prehistoric times by settlers from Liguria. In Roman times it became a center of some importance, surrounded by numerous farms on which vines were cultivated. After the Roman era Canelli fell into a long decline, but was already being called a citta by the year 961. By the middle of the 12th century, the descendants of the Counts of Acqui Terme had taken control. In 1235 Canelli became an equal partner in the Republic of Asti and Canelli. It became an outpost in the republic's frequent wars against its great rival, the Duchy of Monferrato. In 1613 Canelli broke the siege laid by Carlo I, later the Duke of Mantua, as part of a war of succession with the Duchy of Monferrato. The town's defenses were manned by soldiers from the Duchy of Savoy, actively supported by the citizens: Carlo's troops were unable to break through them. This heroic action is celebrated in a re-enactment that takes place every year in the third weekend in June - the Assedio di Canelli. On the night of 5 November 1994 the town was badly hit by a violent flood of the river Belbo that affected a large part of the town, devastating the local economy and causing some casualties.
Main sights
Canelli Castle was built in the 11th century to defend the roads leading to the ports of Savona and Vado Ligure. The castle was destroyed in 1617 during the war against Monferrato. Rebuilt and renovated in 1930 by Arturo Midana as an elegant villa, it is currently owned by the Gancia family. Some sparkling white wines in Canelli are stored in its underground cellars. In these 'underground cathedrals', which are feats of engineering, millions of bottles are left to ferment at a constant temperature between. Extending under the town, the cellars of Canelli are a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Economy
The economy of Canelli is based on the production of sparkling wine, and of everything associated with it. The town is undoubtedly one of the wine capitals of the world, being home to such historic wineries as Gancia, Bosca, Contratto, Coppo and many others. The main varieties cultivated in the municipality are:
The significant number of wineries has also given rise to many companies that produce wine-making equipment. The flood of 1994 was a disaster for the local economy: the mud and water that rushed into the cellars caused millions of Euros of fermenting wine to be lost. The economic diversification into wine-making equipment softened the blow.
Festivals and events
Assedio di Canelli ; 3rd weekend in June. See this
