Gifflenga

Welcome to Gifflenga!

Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a small town in the province of Biella, in Piedmont, called Gifflenga. With only 104 inhabitants, this small village has an ancient and fascinating history, but also many natural and cultural beauties to offer.

The history of Gifflenga

The name Gifflenga derives from the German word "ghiffa", which means "boundary pole". The first document mentioning the village dates back to 926, and in the 10th century there was already a church dedicated to San Martino. Initially a fief of the counts of San Martino, Gifflenga became part of the possessions of the Savoy family in 1407, thanks to the merger of the feuds of Castellengo and Avogadro.

Gifflenga: history, culture, and natural beauty.

The symbols of Gifflenga

The municipality of Gifflenga has a beautiful coat of arms and a banner, granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 2018. The coat of arms collects elements from the historic Avogadro and Parella di San Martino families, both important feudal lords of the place. In the banner, instead, there are the colors blue and red, symbol of the forces of the Savoy house.

What to see in Gifflenga

In Gifflenga there are many interesting monuments to visit. The parish church, dedicated to San Martino, was built in the 17th century and has a beautiful porch in front of the facade. The bell tower, although reduced to a single tower, is still very suggestive. Near the village you can also find the ruins of the castle of the Counts de Rege, which are now barely visible but which were important for the history of the village.

The community of Gifflenga

The population of Gifflenga is around 100 people, and although it is a small village, it is very welcoming and hospitable. Here you can breathe a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, far from the stress of the city. The community of Gifflenga is very active and organizes many cultural and social events throughout the year, including festivals, religious holidays and theatrical performances.

Economy

The economy of the village is mainly based on agriculture, and in particular on the cultivation of Baraggia rice, a typical variety of the area. Thanks to the canalization and reclamation works of the territory, rice cultivation has developed considerably since the 18th century, becoming the main source of livelihood for many families in the area.

Administration of Gifflenga

Gifflenga is part of the Hill Community between Baraggia and Bramaterra. The local administration is very attentive to the needs of citizens, and works to make the village a more pleasant and welcoming place.

Conclusions

Gifflenga is a small hidden gem among the hills of Piedmont, a village that has a lot to offer to those who visit it. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the tranquility of country life and the richness of local culture. If you have the opportunity to come and visit us, know that you will always be welcome!

Andrea Fontana
Updated Monday, Oct 24, 2022