Portacomaro

Portacomaro
Comune
Comune di Portacomaro
Coat of arms
Portacomaro Location of Portacomaro in Italy
Coordinates: 44°57′27″N 8°15′30″E / 44.9574°N 8.2582°ECoordinates: 44°57′27″N 8°15′30″E / 44.9574°N 8.2582°E
Country	Italy
Region	Piedmont
Province / Metropolitan city	Province of Asti (AT)
Area
• Total	10.9 km^2 (4.2 sq mi)
Population (Dec. 2004)
• Total	1,976
• Density	180/km^2 (470/sq mi)
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	14037
Dialing code	0141

Portacomaro is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Asti in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 45 kilometres (28 mi) southeast of Turin and about 7 kilometres (4 mi) northeast of Asti. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,976 and an area of 10.9 square kilometres (4.2 sq mi).^[1]

Portacomaro borders the following municipalities: Asti, Calliano, Castagnole Monferrato, and Scurzolengo.

Cultural heritage

Well-preserved apsidal frescos^[2] can be found in the romanesque church of St. Peter ^[3] (first recorded in 1130 AD).^[4] Formerly occupied by a monastic community, the chancel sides are decorated with figures of St. Bernard and St. Sebastian. The central section of tripartite rear wall of the sanctuary (probably the oldest) features a deisis (Crucifixion with Virgin and the beloved disciple, St. John), figures of St. Andrew are to the right, St. Agatha (kneeling) and St Peter to the left.

Notable residents

• Valerio Arri, Olympic marathoner
• Mario José Bergoglio, father of Pope Francis

Demographic evolution

References

1. All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
2. St Peter with keys stands to the right of altar apse fresco
3. Tourist information page of the local Municipal Government of Portacomaro (current custodians of the historic cemetery and deconsecrated chapel)
4. Architectural cut-away sketch of Chiesa di San Pietro, online feature at Valle versa de Astigianta website