Arcumeggia
Arcumeggia: the painted village
Arcumeggia is a hamlet in the comune of Casalzuigno in the province of Varese that has become famous for its initiative to become a "painted village". In 1956, the Provincial Tourism Board decided to turn this village into an open-air museum by using the external walls of houses as canvases for works of art. Famous artists were invited to participate, such as Aldo Carpi, Aligi Sassu, and Sante Monachesi. Over the years, other artists joined the initiative, creating an exceptional artistic and cultural heritage.
The paintings of the village
The paintings were executed using the fresco technique and are scattered on the external walls of the houses in the village. Each work was created by a different artist and each tells something special about local culture and history. Among the most significant works are those of Giovanni Brancaccio, who painted a "Girl at the Window", Ferruccio Ferrazzi, who created a canvas entitled "Waiting", and Aligi Sassu, who made the paintings "Corridors" and "San Martino". All these works create a unique story for the village and represent a unique historical and cultural testimony.
The Via Crucis
Next to the church, there is a "Via Crucis" with the stations frescoed by 11 different artists. Each station represents an important moment in the life of Jesus and the works were created using the same fresco technique used for the murals in the village. This makes this Via Crucis a unique and original experience. All the paintings tell the story of Jesus and help to increase awareness of local culture and Christian history.
The Painter's House
The Painter's House preserves all the sketches and proofs of the frescoes and hosts the summer painting courses organized by the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. This building is a testimony to the cultural and artistic commitment of the community of Arcumeggia. It is a source of inspiration for all artists who visit the village, as it demonstrates that art can be a means of sharing the culture and history of a community.
Conclusions
Arcumeggia is a unique place in the world. The initiative to create a painted village was a bold and innovative choice that gave rise to a unique artistic and cultural testimony. The works of artists such as Aligi Sassu and Sante Monachesi represent a cultural and historical heritage that must be preserved for future generations. The Painter's House and the Via Crucis are further examples of the importance of art and culture in Arcumeggia. This village is an extraordinary place to visit for any art enthusiast, as well as for the curious and those who love history and culture.
