Ghemme
A friendly introduction to Ghemme
Hello friends! In this text I will talk to you about the municipality of Ghemme, a small town in the province of Novara in Piedmont, Italy. Did you know that Ghemme has been part of the "Wine Cities" since 1994 and the "Honey Cities" since 2002? Keep reading to discover more about the beauties of this place.
Physical geography
Ghemme is located in the Medio Novarese, precisely on the left bank of the Sesia river. Wouldn't you like to take a nice bath in its fresh waters during summer? The town is about 25 km from Novara and 17 km from Borgomanero. And do you know what makes it particularly fascinating? Its landscape that extends around the base of one of the three Plateaus that characterize the territory of the Medio Novarese. The hills widely exploited for the cultivation of the vine will make you understand why Ghemme is a renowned wine production area worldwide.
Main watercourses
But let's talk about the watercourses that characterize the territory. Ghemme is crossed by several streams, including the Sesia, the Mora ditch, the Strona di Briona stream and the Strego stream. Unfortunately, the latter has been heavily polluted by the municipality's landfill. We are sure that the authorities are doing their best to preserve the natural beauty of this place.
History
The history of Ghemme goes back to the Neolithic period! Isn't that incredible? The area encompasses several archaeological treasures that demonstrate how this place has been inhabited since ancient times. But Verusca doesn't want to bore you with too much dry information! Let's move on to the more interesting parts.
Going back to the Celts, they settled there giving rise to the name of "Agamium". Later, the area was Romanized under the name of "Pagus Agamino". There are references to Agamium in the works of Gaius Pliny the Second, in the Middle Ages it was no less important. Feudal under the De Castello-Barbavara around 1150 and then of the Bergamino (1470), as evidenced by the diploma of confirmation to them by Federico Barbarossa dated 1150.
The Battle of Ghemme is often evoked, which is celebrated every year<!-- There are no historical records about it; no battle has been fought. The celebration concerns the Peace of Ghemme of 1467.-->. During this period, some of the richest Novara and Milan families settled there, attracted by the fertility of the fields due to the Sesia, its streams and the quality of the wines already praised by Gaius Pliny the Second.
It is worth adding that Ghemme subsequently had as feudal lords the "Tettoni", the "Omodei (family)", the "Della Porta Modignani" and finally became part of the domain of the House of Savoy.
But, my friends, the history of Ghemme does not end here. In 1467, at the Castle-fortress of Ghemme, the Duchy of Milan Galeazzo Maria Sforza was hosted, visiting for the Peace of Ghemme, a treaty that marked the end of hostilities between the Duchy of Milan and the Duchy of Savoy, which had been rival nations for several years.
The Ghemme territory was then under the dominion of the Duchy of Milan and the natural border between the two powers was the Sesia river. Following the conflicts between France and Spain for the control of the Duchy of Milan, the area was annexed to Piedmont.
However, we must not forget the difficult moments of the twentieth century. On March 6, 1945, in the countryside around Ghemme, the Nazis shot 10 partisans. This undoubtedly makes us reflect on the need to promote peace and peaceful coexistence among peoples.
Finally, the ancient name of Agamium has evolved over time: Agamium - Agheme - Gheme - Ghemme.
Conclusions
Friends, I hope that my story has intrigued you and made you discover some of the wonders of Ghemme. This municipality combines history, culture and nature in a unique beauty that cannot be described in words. And if you are in the area, don't forget to try the local wine!
