Portacomaro

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). Portacomaro borders the following municipalities: Asti, Calliano, Castagnole Monferrato, and Scurzolengo. Cultural heritage Well-preserved apsidal frescos can be found in the romanesque church of St. Peter (first recorded in 1130 AD). 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