Fontaneto d'Agogna
Fontaneto d'Agogna: a town in the Novara Hills
Fontaneto d'Agogna is an Italian town situated in the province of Novara and belongs to the area of the Novara Hills. The town has a population of about 2,586 inhabitants and is known for its water richness, with numerous springs and resurgence geographically distributed within its municipal territory.
Physical Geography: a mostly flat territory with hilly areas
The territory of Fontaneto d'Agogna is predominantly flat, with some hilly areas bordering Romagnano Sesia and Cavallirio. The town is crossed by two streams, Agogna and Sizzone, and is characterized by the presence of numerous springs fed by shallow aquifers.
Hydrography: numerous springs and resurgence throughout the municipal territory
The landscape of Fontaneto d'Agogna is a natural wonder, thanks to the presence of numerous springs and resurgence fed by shallow aquifers. Among the most famous and important springs in the municipality's territory are the Fontana di San Martino, the fontanile delle Botti, the Cavo Ferri, the Cavo Oriale, the Cavo Borromeo, the Cavo Cacciana, and the Fontanone.
History: From the origins of the castrum foundation to Spanish domination
The toponym Fontaneto takes its origin from the presence of numerous water sources on the municipal territory. Fontaneto d'Agogna dates back to 908, when Berengario I founded a castrum in the territory that now corresponds to the town. In November 1057, Fontaneto hosted the synod of condemnation against the Patarine movement, which opposed corruption in the clergy.
The Castle of Fontaneto, fortified like other towns in the Novara area, was demolished in 1362 by the will of Galeazzo II Visconti, to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. In the fifteenth century, Gian Galeazzo Visconti's counselor Manfredo Barbavara ordered the construction of a watchtower inside it. Despite restoration, Fontaneto was sacked by Facino Cane, an enemy of the Barbavara.
The town recovered in 1456, after the construction of a new grand castle on the remains of ancient abbey buildings. During the sixteenth century, the population was decimated by outbreaks of typhus and plague, giving rise to charity brotherhoods. During Spanish domination, the Castle of Fontaneto, together with numerous churches and dwellings, was destroyed. In the eighteenth century, Fontaneto d'Agogna and the entire Novara area passed to the House of Savoy.
In summary, Fontaneto d'Agogna is a town that is closely connected to its history, with a unique water richness. The presence of springs and resurgence in the municipal territory makes for a unique and suggestive landscape.
