Cavaglià
Welcome to Cavaglià: a small Piedmontese town
If you are looking for a tranquil Italian town, then Cavaglià might be the place for you. Located in the province of Biella, in Piedmont, Cavaglià is a town with just over 3500 inhabitants, characterized by a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. In this article, we will talk about the physical geography and history of our town.
Physical Geography
Cavaglià is located just over an hour's drive north-east of Turin and south of Biella. The town is situated between the eastern end of the Serra Morenica di Ivrea and the beginning of the upper Piedmontese Po Valley. The territory of Cavaglià is quite flat and it borders Santhià to the east, Roppolo to the west, Dorzano and Salussola to the north through the Elvo stream and Alice Castello to the south.
History
Origin
The origin of the name Cavaglià is uncertain, but the main hypothesis is that it comes from ''Cabaliaca'' or ''caballius'' because it was a crossroads, first Celtic and then Roman, of military connections between the mountainous communities of the Biellese Prealps, the Po Valley and the Canavese, and was therefore used as a station and supply point for Equus caballus. The coat of arms of Cavaglià is represented by a rampant horse, with the Latin motto "Non metu sed vi" meaning "Not with fear but with strength."
Prehistory and Antiquity
The territory of Cavaglià has been inhabited since the 9th century BC, as evidenced by archaeological finds such as the Menhir of Cavaglià, a megalithic monument of menhirs arranged in a circle next to the Elvo stream, whose remains are exhibited at the intersection of the Strada statale 143 Vercellese. After the Celts-Victimulae, the territory was crossed by Roman soldiers and became an important outpost for various connections in northern Piedmont.
Middle Ages
After the 5th century, Cavaglià fell under the episcopal protection of the Chapter of Sant'Eusebio in Vercelli, and then became under the domain of the Anscarici in the 10th century. However, the fiefs were lost in the Holy Roman Empire. It was around this period that Cavaglià was also referred to as an important stop on the pilgrimage called the Via Francigena, which was traveled by Sigeric of Canterbury. In the 12th century, Cavaglià managed to achieve economic independence and become a free village. Some important religious buildings are attested to in this period, such as the priories of ''San Vincenzo e Anastasio'' and ''Santa Maria del Brianco,'' the pre-existing church of ''Chiesa di Santa Maria di Babilone,'' and the ''pieve di San Pietro.''
What to see and do in Cavaglià
If you decide to visit Cavaglià, there are no shortage of attractions to see and activities to do. The town offers a unique mix of art, history, culture, and nature. Here are some things not to be missed:
- Visit the Menhir of Cavaglià, a megalithic monument dating back to the Bronze Age.
- Admire the Castle of Cavaglià, a beautiful structure that dates back to the end of the 12th century.
- Visit the Church of Santa Maria del Brianco, a Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century.
- Enjoy a bike ride or walk along the bike path that crosses Cavaglià and connects Biella to Vercelli.
- Relax at Lake Viverone, a beautiful destination for swimming and water sports enthusiasts.
Local cuisine
The local cuisine of Cavaglià is unique and delicious. Among the local gastronomic specialties, we recommend trying pumpkin risotto, polenta concia, tajarin with ragù, beef braised in red wine, and wild boar sausages. There are also options for vegetarians, such as pumpkin ravioli and arugula pesto.
Conclusion
Cavaglià is a Piedmontese town characterized by a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The town offers visitors a unique mix of art, history, culture, and nature. There are no shortage of attractions to see and activities to do, and the local cuisine is unique and delicious. Come visit Cavaglià to discover everything it has to offer.
