The Hamlet of Santa Barbara starts beyond the San Martino door, and precisely at Mascarela bridge, which now marks the boundary between Corso Italia and Corso Lombardia. Its territory runs in parallel with the railway from the Cherasca stream up to Piazza Cristo Re, it encircles the town beyond the ancient walls and is set between the latter and the Moretta Hamlet.

In the past, on this site, on the outskirts of the built-up area and upwards towards the Moretta Hamlet, many brick kilns prospered because of the clayey soil. The better known kilns in the last century belonged to the Società del Forno Italiano (Italian Furnace Society) and, a little further on, along the present Via Duccio Galimberti, the Sorba, which, with their decades-long extractions have caused a significant lowering of the level of the present Piazza Cristo Re.

The hamlet was revived in 1985 at the initiative of a keen group of volunteers headed by Vittorio Fiorito. Reviving an old hamlet was a generous gesture made possible by the commitment of the early protagonists. Describing a hamlet also means trying to pinpoint the driving spirit behind the organisers’ decision to get together. The analysis highlights a common background: wanting to meet people; fighting monotony by staging an original event; ambition; team and local pride. All fitting elements to stir a group of people into joining up to seek new, meaningful challenges.

The new hamlet does not have much history behind it, but it does have a potential for growth and a return to the glories of the past. It has also been a good revival; with the same tinctures and the same coat of arms as before: a silver shield and a red cross.

In the four compartments, on a blue field, are depicted a gryphon, an eagle and three bands. The gryphon symbolises courage and aggressiveness, the eagle is part of the insignia of the Lords of Montersino who governed this land in the 12th century, while the three bands symbolise the Cherasca stream. To sum up, a total return to the origins, and to the unique style of a suburban hamlet. As they were not able to count upon the scenic splendours of medieval architecture they had to rely on the strength of the inhabitants: an aggressive, generous, resourceful and wise people.

In Santa Barbara’s recent history there is an actual rebirth: when the Tanaro river burst its banks and flooded the City of Alba in 1994, the water at the hamlet's headquarters reached 1.20 metres and destroyed everything, including the period costumes. “We had to start from scratch and we are still struggling”, explains Adele Drocco, President of the hamlet for the last three years. But the courage that has always singled out the hamlet continues to play its part and also on this occasion has helped it to rise from the ashes with dignity.

Victories: 1991, 2002.