Casalvolone
A charming ancient village: Casalvolone
Hello everyone! I want to talk to you about a small town in Piedmont, a hidden gem. I'm talking about Casalvolone, a village with only 876 inhabitants but with a very rich and fascinating history.
History: from the Middle Ages to today
The name of the village has Latin origins and means "Casale Vallonis". During the Middle Ages, the history of Casalvolone was closely linked to the abbey, which was mentioned for the first time in 975, when it was under the rule of the Order of Saint Benedict. In 1169, the Cistercian monks arrived in Casalvolone when the Benedictines decided to abandon the monastery.
A document from 1225 attributes the foundation of the abbey to the Ardizzone brothers, Enrico and Tommaso. It is not known exactly when the abbey was abandoned, but it is certain that in the fifteenth century, with the transformation into a commendatory abbey, it declined. In 1497, it was not mentioned among the abbeys of the Italian Cistercian Congregation of Saint Bernard.
The abbey's property was confiscated during the period of Napoleon Bonaparte, and in 1819, the monastery complex became privately owned. The abbey church was reduced to a small oratory and demolished at the beginning of the twentieth century. The church of San Pietro al Cimitero remains as the parish church for the population.
Places of interest: the Church of San Pietro and the Pieve
Despite the loss of the abbey, Casalvolone still has many places of interest to visit. Among these is the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, a church of Romanesque origin that was reconstructed in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
But the real gem of Casalvolone is the Pieve of San Pietro, whose bell tower is visible from a long distance. It is a Romanesque church dating back to the eleventh century. Its facade in terracotta, with a large rose window in the center, is very striking and reminiscent of the Lombardic churches. Inside, the twelfth-century baptismal font, made of marble and decorated with sculptures depicting stories from the Old Testament, stands out.
Society: demographic evolution
In the last hundred years, starting from 1911, the population of Casalvolone has been halved. Nevertheless, the village continues to be lively thanks to the initiative of its inhabitants and the many cultural and social events organized.
Infrastructure and transport: the tram stop
Until 1933, Casalvolone was served by a tram stop on the Vercelli-Biandrate-Fara tramline, a very popular public transport line at the time. Today, the village is easily accessible by car thanks to its proximity to SS 335.
Administration: the list of local governments
It should also be noted that there has not been a great political alternation in the list of local governments of Casalvolone, but it must be admitted that mayors have always worked very well to maintain the beauty of the village and its monuments.
Notes: curiosities and anecdotes
Finally, I leave you with some curiosities about Casalvolone. In the village, there is a very ancient tradition related to the production of wooden barrels for wine, a true and highly appreciated art throughout the region. Moreover, Casalvolone has been the setting for the filming of several movies and commercials, thanks to its unique and ancient charm.
External links: discover more about Casalvolone
I invite you to come and discover this small village with an ancient and suggestive taste. For more information on Casalvolone and its initiatives, I recommend visiting the official website of the Municipality or consulting social media pages. You won't regret it!
