Borgomanero

An alpine town in the Piedmont plains

Borgomanero is a town located in the province of Novara, in the heart of Piedmont, Italy. With a population of just over 21,000 people, it is situated in a basin within the Pennine Alps, near the Maggiore and Orta lakes. It is suitable both as a starting point for mountain excursions and for a boat trip on the surrounding lakes. Moreover, thanks to its location, it is easy to visit the nearby tourist resorts of Val d'Ossola and Valsesia.

Another walk along the Agogna river banks

Borgomanero is crossed by the Agogna stream, which flows towards the Po. The riverbed was diverted in the 17th century for agricultural purposes, creating a bend that gave rise to the Allea walk, located on the river banks. It is the ideal place for a quiet walk in a natural and relaxing environment.

Borgomanero: nature, history, and culinary tradition

A city that has crossed History

Borgomanero has a fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages. Legend has it that the first nucleus of the city was founded by thirteen pilgrims, called the Thirteen Orcs, while the first official name was "Burgus Sancti Leonardi", in honor of the church of San Leonardo. The toponym Borgomanero, instead, derives from Giacomo Mainerio, who chose it as a place to create a fortress. The city has withstood several wars throughout its history, including the one between Visconti and Paleologi in the 14th century. Borgomanero lost some of its autonomy when the Dukes of Milan granted it in feudalism to the Tornielli and Trivulzio families.

A typical dish

The typical dish of Borgomanero is "tapulon", a traditional dish that recalls the humble origins of the village. Legend has it that the dish was created by the Thirteen Orcs, who used the ingredients available, including the meat of the donkey that had accompanied them during the pilgrimage.

Conclusions

Borgomanero is a city with ancient roots, with a unique cultural and natural heritage. The walk along the Agogna river banks and the typical dish "tapulon" are just some of the treasures that the city has to offer. Borgomanero is an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby tourist resorts of the Alps and the surrounding lakes. Don't hesitate to visit it if you are looking for a relaxing holiday full of history and culture!

Erica Ferrari
Wrote by Erica Ferrari
Updated Tuesday, Jan 3, 2023