Castelletto Cervo
Discover Castelletto Cervo: a gem between the Cervo and Ostola rivers
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Castelletto Cervo, a small village of only 790 inhabitants located in the province of Biella, in Piedmont. Castelletto Cervo is part of the Hillside Community between Baraggia and Bramaterra and is located on the left bank of the Cervo river, on a small hill that is wedged between the course of the Cervo and the Ostola river. The Guarabione river, also a tributary of the Cervo, flows on the southeastern border of the municipality. The village overlooks one of the few fords in the area for crossing the Cervo, which is still used today to reach Mottalciata.
The history of Castelletto Cervo
The origins of Castelletto Cervo date back to the Middle Ages and are linked to the construction of the castle on which the town was later built. The castle, of which only a part of the perimeter walls and the tower remain today, was presumably built in the 13th century and was an important strategic point for controlling the ford on the river. The parish church dedicated to Thomas Becket, instead, is of medieval origin, but was rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th century. Another place of interest is the Romanesque Art complex of the Priorato di San Pietro di Castelletto, an ancient monastery of the Cluniac Congregation founded in the 11th century, located in the Garella hamlet. The Oriented Nature Reserve of the Baragge is instead an important area from a naturalistic and geological point of view.
The districts and clay quarries
The only recognized subdivision of the Castelletto Cervo community is the district, with over twenty hamlets, including Olivetta, Crava, Terzoglio, Valley, Mulino, Gallo, and Cagna. In addition to rice cultivation, the economy of the village is based on the important clay quarries in the area. In the past, the municipal territory was served by the Masserano station, located along the Biella-Novara railway line.
Curiosities about Castelletto Cervo
There are several curiosities about Castelletto Cervo. For example, the symbol of the municipality represents the Savoy cross, the symbols of the Cluniac Congregation, and the nine lozenges taken from the coat of arms of the San Martino di Strambino Counts. Furthermore, the castle of the village has recently been restored and can be visited on certain occasions.
Conclusions
Castelletto Cervo is a hidden gem among the hills and rivers of the province of Biella. Despite its small size, the village offers numerous places of interest from a historical, artistic, and naturalistic point of view. If you are in the area, do not hesitate to visit and discover all the beauties that Castelletto Cervo has to offer!
