Lozzolo
Welcome to Lozzolo: Let's Discover the History of this Piedmontese Town
Hello friends! Are you ready to learn about one of the most beautiful and characteristic towns in the province of Vercelli? Today, I'll talk to you about Lozzolo, also known as "Lòso" in Piedmontese.
The history of this charming town has ancient roots dating back before the year 1000. Located at the foot of the pre-Alps, Lozzolo began its socio-economic development in the mid-19th century. Since then, it has been a protagonist of continuous economic and cultural growth, thanks to its agricultural traditions, particularly in wine production, and its extraction of kaolin and feldspar.
Curiosities on the Painter Vittorio Avondo
Among the famous and illustrious of Lozzolo, we find the painter and art enthusiast Vittorio Avondo. Born in 1836 and deceased in 1910, Vittorio Avondo acquired and restored the castle of Issogne in Aosta Valley, which he then donated to the Italian State. He was a coordinator in the planning of the medieval village and fortress of Turin in Valentino Park. During his stay at the Castle of Lozzolo, he left clear signs of his presence and was generous towards the community and the Lozzolo church.
Symbols of Lozzolo
The coat of arms of the town of Lozzolo, granted by presidential decree on March 21, 1997, depicts a Faith supporting a red Latin cross, gold-radiant, surrounded by two golden cornucopias full of fruit and ears of wheat, decussate in base. The banner, instead, is a white drapery.
Monuments and Places of Interest
But let's now move on to the monuments and places of interest worth discovering in Lozzolo.
The Castle of Lozzolo dates back to the period between 1250 and 1300 and originally belonged to the Avogadro counts of Lozzolo, descendants of Simone from Collobiano. Over the centuries, it passed from hand to hand among the noble families of the area to the local families of the 19th century, including the ancestors of our Vittorio Avondo. Do not miss the chance to admire the frescoes of the Hall of Friends, made by the painter himself with the collaboration of Alfredo d'Andrade.
The Oratory of San Rocco, built between 1635 and 1640 by the survivors of the plague, was dedicated to Saint Anthony in 1747. It has a beautiful neoclassical porch from the 18th century.
The Sanctuary of Madonna Annunziata, located just outside the town center, has been used as a quarantine station since the 17th century. Inside, you will find rich frescoes that will take you back in time, immersing you in the history of Lozzolo.
The Church of San Giorgio was built in the 14th century on the pre-existing chapel of San Giorgio and first mentioned in records from 1340. In addition to the beautiful marble altar of 1760, you can admire 19th-century paintings and an organ built in 1852 by the famous Amedeo Ramasco. Do not miss the chapel located on the churchyard, which contains an ancient wooden crucifix.
Finally, there is the Oratory of Saints Sebastian and Fabian, mentioned in the records of pastoral visits in the 18th century, with frescoes by the painter Gerolamo Milanoli from Grignasco in 1847.
Conclusion
And thus, friends, we have discovered the history and the beauties of Lozzolo together. From unspoiled nature to agricultural and wine-making traditions, passing through the beauty of the castle and religious monuments, Lozzolo is a "pearl" not to be missed by anyone who wants to experience the unique charm of Piedmontese lands. Come and discover it with your own eyes!
