Ceresole Reale
Welcome to Ceresole Reale!
Hello friends, today we will talk about Ceresole Reale, a Piedmontese municipality located in the high Orco valley. The village has a population of only 161 inhabitants, but has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and history.
Some geography
Ceresole Reale is nestled between the Gran Paradiso mountain range and the Levanne, and is known for occupying the high Orco valley. All its inhabited centers are located above 1,500 meters and the village is adjacent to Lake Ceresole. The only paved road that leads to the Colle del Nivolet passes through the Serrù and Agnel lakes. The municipality reaches its highest point with the Levanna Centrale at an altitude of 3,619 meters. In addition, the Ceresole Reale meteorological station is located in the municipal territory.
Origins and history
Ceresole Reale owes its name to the ancient presence of a forest of "ceresiolae", small cherries. The municipality is of probable Celtic origin and preserves some traces of Roman Empire domination. Regarding local tradition, it is said that the Roman Empire condemned Christians to heavy and risky extraction work and from the ancient victims of the mines originates the cult of Saint Meinerio.
The first accredited news about Ceresole dates back to the year one thousand, when the high Orco valley was donated by Emperor Otto III of Saxony to the Archdiocese of Vercelli. In the following century the territories passed to Valperga (family) and extreme poverty and the harassment of the nobles pushed the population to revolt. The pacification only took place in 1449 and, despite the valley inhabitants paying the sum of two thousand florins to depend only on the jurisdiction of the House of Savoy, they soon returned under the dominion of the Valperga. In 1794 the inhabitants of Ceresole repelled the republican French who were trying to invade the territory after crossing the Colle della Galisia.
Starting from 1862, Ceresole was awarded the title of "Royal", obtained by concession of Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy, to whom the municipality had donated the right to hunt Rupicapra rupicapra and Capra ibex free of charge. In the eighteenth century it was believed that ibexes were now extinct throughout Europe due to ruthless hunting.
Curiosities
If you are in Ceresole Reale, it is interesting to know that the village is home to a series of geological surveys of great scientific importance, dating back 280 million years ago. In addition, the municipality is home to an important example of larch, considered the oldest in Europe.
Not to be missed, also, are the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Chapel of San Meinerio and the fascinating Fossil Museum that houses a rich collection of fossils and minerals.
Conclusion
Ceresole Reale is a hidden gem among the Piedmontese mountains, rich in history and natural beauty. If you decide to visit this municipality of only 161 inhabitants, you will not be disappointed by the wonders it has to offer.
