Ailoche
Welcome to Ailoche: discovering the Piedmontese commune
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Ailoche, a small Italian commune in the province of Biella, in Piedmont, which has only 314 inhabitants. It is a charming place! But first, here is some geographical information.
Geography
Ailoche extends over two hilly slopes: on the east we have the valley of the Strona di Postua stream, while on the west there is the valley of the Bodro rio river. The village has numerous hamlets that offer beautiful walks through chestnut woods and mushrooms.
If you love nature, you can opt for an alpine excursion towards the mountains north of Ailoche which, according to the writer Cesare Bozzo, are a sight to behold. Furthermore, thanks to the initiative of an alpine who created a picturesque artificial pond, the location is even more fascinating with the crystal clear water of a stream that descends from the heights.
Origin of the Name
Returning to the history of the name, the meaning of the toponym is still uncertain. Goffredo Casalis supports the traditional hypothesis that "Ailoche" refers to grazing areas, while Dante Olivieri relates it to the Lombard language as a rural property and excludes a connection with "allocco". Personally, I prefer to think that the village is called so because it is a magical place, but this is only a personal opinion!
History
Ailoche does not have a dense history of noteworthy events, but dates back to the Middle Ages and was initially part of the municipality of Crevacuore. In 1598, it passed under the domain of the principality of Masserano and, subsequently, in 1741, became part of the states of the king of Sardinia. In 1742, the inhabitants of Ailoche swore loyalty to Carlo Emanuele III.
The village gave birth to Blessed Giacomino de' Canepacci, born in 1438 in the hamlet of Piasca. He entered the Carmelite order and spent a life of prayer and fasting. The Blessed is known for having assisted passing pilgrims and prisoners at the church of the Vergine del Carmine. He spent his last years of life in the convent of the village and died on March 3, 1508. The house where he was born has been converted into a chapel.
Monuments
In the center of the village is the parish church of San Bernardo, rebuilt in the seventeenth century on a pre-existing oratory. Instead, the hamlet of Venarolo houses the Marian sanctuary of Brugarola, dedicated to the Madonna of Oropa and also dating back to the seventeenth century. Here, a very particular festival takes place every year during the day of Ferragosto.
Society
Demographic Evolution
In recent years, the economy of Ailoche has undergone significant changes thanks to the birth and growth of adjacent industrial centers. However, the village is still a summer destination for tourists who appreciate the beauty of the landscape, the tranquility, and peace.
The past economic structure of Ailoche was based on pastoralism and agriculture. However, for some time, there was an ostrich farming, which no longer exists today.
Conclusions
I hope I have convinced you to visit this splendid Piedmontese village at the foot of the mountains. Ailoche awaits you with its pristine nature, its enchanted hamlets, and its historic churches. Come and visit us!
