Dormelletto
Discovering Dormelletto: history, geography, and equestrianism
Are you ready to discover Dormelletto, a small commune in the province of Novara? With its 2568 inhabitants, this ancient location will surprise you with its history, geography, and passion for equestrianism.
Physical geography
Dormelletto is located along the southern shore of Lake Maggiore and is part of the region of Piedmont. Its privileged geographic position makes this commune an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake, which in this area offers several beaches and the Special Nature Reserve of the Canes of Dormelletto, a protected area dedicated to the conservation of the biodiversity of the flora and fauna of the lake.
The territory of Dormelletto is divided into three altitude zones. The first, along the lake, is known as Dormello and offers several beaches and streams for sport fishing enthusiasts. The second and third zones, instead, are formed by the villages of Dormello, Dormelletto, Mercurago, and Glisente, as well as the Natural Park of the Lagoni di Mercurago, a protected area that is part of the prehistoric pile-dwelling sites around the Alps and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.
History
The history of Dormelletto dates back to the Iron Age, as evidenced by the presence of numerous archaeological remains and Gallic tombs dating back to the 3rd century BC and the beginning of the 1st century BC. Among the most important finds are spearheads, peasant sickles, ankle bracelets, and bronze bracelets.
But the history of Dormelletto was enriched starting from the Roman period. In fact, the Severiana Augusta road, a consular road that linked Mediolanum (now Milan) to Verbannus Lacus (i.e. Lake Maggiore), passed through the locality. Over the centuries, the territory of Dormelletto was contested by various powers and lordships, including the Visconti, the Sforza, and the Borromeo, who made it an important agricultural and commercial centre.
Equestrianism and the famous Dormello-Olgiata horse breeding
But Dormelletto is also famous for its connection with equestrianism. Starting from the 1930s, the commune and the historic locality of Dormello became one of the world's main centres for racehorse breeding. Thanks to the passion and work of breeder Federico Tesio, the famous Dormello-Olgiata breed was born, which included the most famous horses of the time, such as Nearco, Bellini, Donatello II, and Ribot.
Thanks to this breeding, Dormelletto became a reference point for the equestrian world and saw enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world flock to the area. Today, the San Siro racecourse in Milan still hosts a race named after Ribot, a testament to the importance that this breed had in the history of equestrianism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dormelletto is a commune that offers many opportunities for those who want to enjoy nature, history, and a passion for equestrianism. With its beaches, nature reserves, archaeological sites, and the San Siro racecourse, this Piedmontese locality is a perfect place to experience the history and beauty of the lands around Lake Maggiore.
