Balzola
Welcome to Balzola: a town surrounded by lush rice fields in Piedmont
Welcome to Balzola, a town of around 1,300 inhabitants in the province of Alessandria, in the heart of Piedmont. Located on the border between the provinces of Alessandria and Vercelli, the town is situated on the left bank of the Po River, just a few kilometers away from cities such as Casale Monferrato and Vercelli.
The territory of Balzola is characterized by a dense network of canals that provide water to the numerous rice fields in the surrounding area. Thanks to the abundant presence of this element, the predominant crop in the area is Oryza sativa.
But Balzola is not just about rice fields: the town is also rich in history and culture, with numerous monuments and places of interest that testify to its ancient origin.
The history of Balzola
The Roman presence in the territory of Balzola is attested by the numerous archaeological finds that have been made over the years. In the Middle Ages, the town was granted to the Abbey of Novalesa and then came under the control of Vercelli. Later, Balzola became part of the territories of the Marquis of Monferrato and was ruled by various feudal lords, including the counts of Biandrate.
The history of Balzola has been marked by dramatic events such as the fire and destruction of the town by the troops of Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy in 1615 or the fierce fighting that took place in May 1859 during the Second Italian War of Independence.
The symbols of Balzola are the coat of arms and the flag. The municipal coat of arms is divided into silver and red, with the representation of a sickle harvesting a sheaf of wheat in the first partition and a rampant golden lion in the second. The flag is made up of a blue cloth.
Monuments and places of interest
Balzola boasts numerous monuments and places of interest that are worth visiting. Among these, the remains of the old Castle stand out. Of medieval origin, it has been extensively renovated over time. The Parish Church of the Assumption, erected in the 18th century to the design of Ottavio Magnocavallo, houses a valuable painting by Orsola Caccia. And then there is the Church of San Michele, a Baroque gem that preserves numerous works by the artist Pietro Francesco Guala, including a "Jacob's Ladder."
Society and economy
Balzola is a town that has evolved over time, moving from the dominance of agriculture to the birth of industrial activities, often related to rice processing. Thanks to the presence of rice fields, in fact, the main economic resource of the town is the production of this cereal.
Moreover, most of the inhabitants who have abandoned agriculture for industry have found employment in companies in the nearby towns of Morano sul Po and Casale Monferrato. The economy of Balzola is also supported by livestock farming, which feeds on the forage produced in the surrounding fields.
Administration
The administration of Balzola has been characterized by several mayors who have succeeded each other over time, each with their own vision and program of government. Thanks to their action, the town has been able to develop and grow, becoming a flagship of the province of Alessandria.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Balzola is a town with an ancient and interesting history, enriched by monuments and places of interest that testify to its beauty and vitality. Thanks to the production of rice and livestock farming, the town has found its economic dimension, welcoming industrial and commercial activities that have contributed to its growth and development.
But Balzola is also a place of welcome and well-being, where traditions and customs are intertwined with modernity and innovation, giving rise to a unique and exciting mix. Come and discover Balzola, we are waiting for you with our rice fields, our monuments, and our hospitality!
