Briona
Welcome to Briona
Hello everyone and welcome to Briona, a municipality in the province of Novara in Piedmont, Italy. Briona has a population of around 1106 residents and takes its name from the Latinized Celtic term "Brigodunum", meaning "fortification in height". It is located on the border between the plain and the Novarese hills and is crossed by the Strona di Briona torrent, the "rio Nocca" (a tributary of the Strona), and the Roggia Mora.
But what distinguishes Briona are its monuments and local products. In this article, we will take a walk through the places of interest in the village, discovering its typical products and the history of its administrations.
Physical geography and climate
The municipal territory of Briona ranges from a minimum height of 175 m above sea level to a maximum height of 246 m above sea level and is located 15 km from Novara and about 43 km from Varallo Sesia. It is crossed by a river and a stream, which make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. In the summer, the climate is warm and humid, while in winter it is cold and snowy.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
Briona is rich in ancient churches, including the Church of Sant'Alessandro, built in the 11th century and expanded in the 12th. Here you can admire the central and southern nave, as well as numerous architectural details that testify to the history of the village. There are also the Church of Madonna della Neve, the Church of San Bernardino, the Church of San Silvestro in Castro (Proh), the Oratory of Sant'Antonio Abate, and the Oratory of San Bernardo.
Military architecture
The Castello di Briona and the Castello di Proh are historical monuments that attract visitors' attention. Built in the Middle Ages, they have been preserved and restored over the years.
Civil architecture
Last but not least is the medieval bridge, dating back to the 13th century, which crosses the Roggia Mora near the Proh district. This mule-back bridge with a single arch was a place of collection of taxes and customs duties during the medieval economy, but now it is in a serious state of abandonment.
Society
Demographic evolution
Briona's demographic evolution reflects the economic and historical trends of the region. In fact, since the post-war period to today, the village's population has decreased by 50% in favor of larger and industrialized cities. However, there are still many local and artisanal activities that enliven the village's life.
Culture
Typical products
Briona is famous for several typical products, including Runcà, a local wine with an intense and persistent flavor. Additionally, the municipality of Briona is part of the production area of Fara, a wine with an intense ruby red color, with scents of red fruit and spices. There is also Colline Novaresi, a fresh and fruity wine, and honey made from Robinia, Chestnut, Mille Fiori, and Tiglio, all excellent products of local agriculture.
Administration
Lastly, we want to extend our gratitude to the administrations that have succeeded in the municipality of Briona, which have contributed to the village's growth over the years. Their dedication and attention to the community's needs have been fundamental in making it a place of peaceful and inclusive coexistence.
Conclusions
Briona is a small municipality with a great historical, cultural, and gastronomic heritage. Visiting it is like taking a dip in the past, among the streets of the village, and ancient monuments. But Briona is not only this, it is also a lively and dynamic community that looks to the future with hope and confidence. Thank you for accompanying us in this brief description of our beloved village.
