Conturbia
Agrate Conturbia: a millenary history
Welcome to Agrate Conturbia, a municipality in Piedmont with only 1515 inhabitants, divided into two hamlets: Agrate and Conturbia. Located in a slightly hilly area between Cressa and Borgo Ticino, south of Lake Maggiore, Agrate Conturbia is a place where history is palpable at every corner. Join us to discover the millenary history of this municipality through its monuments and places of interest.
A Roman Empire Mansio
The toponym Agrate, formerly known as "Agredade Curtis or Agredade," has ancient origins deriving from the Roman anthroponym "Acrius," followed by the suffix "-atum". According to some sources, Agrate was one of the ancient mansio of the Roman Empire, as demonstrated by the findings of boundary stones, artifacts, and inscriptions. It was said that the 5th Roman legion, commanded by Pallante (freedman), friend of Caligula and probable founder of Pallanza, was stationed there.
Conturbia, an ancient settlement on stilts
Conturbia, on the other hand, according to some historians, would be an ancient settlement on stilts, less ancient than Mercurago, near Arona, a few kilometers away. Moreover, documents show that in the 10th century, the lords "Da Conturbia" were "boni homini" and councilors of the bishop of Novara.
From Feudal Lords to Visconti Family
Agrate was part of the feudalism of the Counts of Castello, passing to the Gattico family first and in 1412 to Lancellotto and Ermes Visconti. Later, Filippo Maria Visconti assigned the fief to the Borromeo family who kept it until the 18th century. Agrate and Conturbia each had their own castle.
Castle of Agrate and Castle of Conturbia
The Castle of Agrate, of which only a few original parts remain, features a coat of arms of the Counts of Castello, lords of Agrate in the 11th century. After a partial destruction in 1400, the castle underwent several transformations that altered its original appearance.
The Castle of Conturbia, originally a quadrangular structure fortified for its strategic position, also underwent several transformations over the centuries, and today it is not possible to identify its original structure clearly.
The Parish Church of San Vittore
The Parish Church of San Vittore stands in the center of Agrate and has been documented since 976 as the "Basilica sanctis Victoris constructa infra castro Agedade". In the past, it was described as covered in timber and built in squared stone. Over the centuries, it underwent significant renovations.
In conclusion, Agrate Conturbia is a municipality rich in history and monuments that tell the story of the past. Hoping to have sparked your curiosity and inviting you to visit the places of interest of this Piedmontese municipality, we cordially bid you farewell.
