Colazza
Welcome to Colazza: among mountains, forests, and lakes
Hello everyone, today I will talk about Colazza, a small municipality in the province of Novara in Piedmont. The village, with its 529 inhabitants, is located between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, in a privileged position at an altitude ranging from 545 to 850 meters above sea level.
Breathtaking panoramic views
The surrounding territory is covered by forests, hills, and mountains, including the Motto Tessera, Cassinario, Motto La Guardia, and Motto dell'Arbujera, which offer a panoramic view of Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, Lake Comabbio, and Lake Monate. The hills are crossed by the rio Tiaschella, which flows into the neighboring municipality of Invorio, in the Terzago stream.
Origin of the name
But where does the name "Colazza" come from? It could derive from the word "col", also present in "Collina", or in "colare", referring to the numerous water sources in the area. Other interpretations suggest that the name originated from "collis acquae", again referring to the abundance of water in the area. Another possibility traces it back to the episode of the young warrior who, armed with a "coll'azza", defended his bride from the abuses of the lord in the pay of Berengario II d'Ivrea. After fleeing, the two joined other inhabitants, giving birth to the first inhabited nucleus of Colazza.
History
The coat of arms
In 1956, the municipality was granted a coat of arms, which represents a right arm with an axe in pale, all natural, on a silver background. In the left quarter of the slashed head, there is a red and black palate and an azure field with a golden star.
From the origins to the Visconti
The history of Colazza is closely linked to that of Arona, located on the "Via delle Genti" that connected Lake Maggiore with present-day Switzerland. The Roman presence is attested by the numerous artifacts found at the Archaeological Museum of Arona. The historical events of the territory began at the end of the millennium when the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Otto I decided to put an end to the arrogance of Berengario d'Ivrea and direct his troops towards Novara. In 962, the imperial militias that were heading to Orta to besiege the castle and defeat Queen Willa III d'Arles, wife of Berengario, passed through Colazza.
From the Visconti to the Borromeo to the Savoia
Subsequently, Colazza experienced historical moments similar to those of other municipalities in the Vergante, first following the events of the archbishops of Milan, Counts of the Empire, to whom the territories were subjugated. In the following centuries, the territory was contested among various feudal lords, until the Visconti lordship prevailed, who built a small castle there, of which traces remain in some buildings and in the toponymy. Subsequently, Colazza passed to the Borromeo and, later, to the Savoia, suffering the consequences of wars and clashes between nations vying for the conquest of Italy.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Colazza offers breathtaking panoramic views and a strategic location that makes it a reference point for exploring Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Its history is closely linked to that of the rest of the Vergante, with moments of war and peace that have marked the territory over the centuries. If you have the opportunity to visit this charming mountain village, do not hesitate!
