Carpignano Sesia
Carpignano Sesia: a medieval village on the Sesia River bank
Carpignano Sesia is a picturesque medieval village located on the left bank of the Sesia River in the province of Novara, Piedmont. With a population of just over two thousand inhabitants, Carpignano Sesia offers a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of the city and an opportunity to discover the history and culture of the region.
Physical geography
The municipal area of Carpignano Sesia is crossed by numerous watercourses, including the Biraga and Busca streams. The Sesia River flows along the border of the village, while the Mora stream runs alongside it. The beauty of the landscape surrounding Carpignano Sesia is indescribable, with valleys, hills and mountains inviting long walks and relaxation in nature.
Monuments and places of interest
The castle-fortress of Carpignano
The castle-fortress of Carpignano Sesia is a must-see attraction of the medieval village. Built in the 11th century by the counts of Pombia and subsequently owned by the counts of Biandrate, the castle-fortress is in a strategic position on the road that leads from the city of Biandrate to the Valsesia valley.
Despite the passage of time, the castle-fortress retains its ancient grandeur, with walls and houses built with bricks and river pebbles laid in a herringbone pattern. Next to the entrance gate, the drawbridge has been replaced by the 15th-century ravelin. Inside the castle-fortress is an ancient tower house. There are still several windows with terra-cotta decorations and a wooden wine press built in 1575 for the pressing of grapes, nuts and ravizzone.
The ancient church of San Pietro
The church of San Pietro is located inside the castle-fortress and already existed in the 11th century. It was sold by the counts of Biandrate to the Cluniac Benedictine monks, becoming a dependency of the Priory of San Pietro in Castelletto. Inside the church, there are important Romanesque frescoes from the 12th century. Among these, the apse is entirely occupied by the figure of Christ Pantocrator, accompanied by Mary and St. John the Baptist. In addition, there are also other recovered Gothic frescoes dating back to the 15th century.
Conclusions
Carpignano Sesia is a medieval village that jealously guards its history and culture. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape while visiting historic monuments such as the castle-fortress and the church of San Pietro. The proximity to the city of Novara makes Carpignano Sesia an excellent destination for a day trip.
