Magnano
Welcome to Magnano
Magnano is a small municipality in the province of Biella, in the Piedmont region, with a population of 366 inhabitants. Despite its size, the city is rich in history and culture and offers many interesting places to visit. In this text, we will explore the geography, history, and main attractions of Magnano.
Physical geography
Territory
Magnano is located on the hills of the Serra Morenica di Ivrea, on the borders of the northwestern Canavese. The municipality belongs to the Montagna Community Valle dell'Elvo and to the Special Nature Reserve of Bessa, and borders the municipalities of Torrazzo, Zubiena, and Cerrione to the north, Palazzo Canavese, Bollengo, and Piverone to the west and south. In the territory, there are some important localities such as ''San Sudario'', ''Bose'', ''Broglina'', ''Tamagno'', ''Piletta'', ''Molino del Ghe'', ''Carrera'' and ''Lucento''.
Origins of the name
History
The name ''Magnano'' derives from the Latin ''magnus-anus'' or ''manianus''. However, there is no certain proof of its origin. Magnano was enfeoffed to the Archdiocese of Vercelli at the beginning of the 11th century, together with Zimone, and in 1166, it was titled to the noble Avogadro di Cerrione. In 1204, Magnano was fortified in the hope of becoming a medieval municipality. The urban agglomeration was then moved higher up, where a ricetto and the ancient church of San Secondo and San Biagio were built. Later on, Magnano was ceded to the Duchy of Savoy and then to the Dal Pozzo lords in 1561. In 1619, the Avogadro family regained the territory of Magnano and administered it until the 19th century.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of Magnano were granted in 1993. The flag is yellow.
Monuments and places of interest
Magnano has many attractions that are worth visiting. Here are the main ones:
- Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista and San Secondo: built in the 18th century, it has a precious altar and a marble balustrade dating back to 1794, as well as the organ built by Giovanni Bruna in the same period.
- Ancient medieval ricetto: located up high, it includes the entrance tower-gate and the church of the saints San Secondo and Biagio, which in the 16th century became the current church of Santa Marta, with a suggestive baroque façade.
- Church of San Secondo: located in Bose, it dates back to the 11th century and has recently been restored. It has three internal naves and two apses and a Romanesque bell tower with two orders of triforium and capitals.
- Monastic Community of Bose: adjacent to the church of San Secondo, it is an Ecumenical Christian community that offers a spiritual retreat for people seeking a communal living experience.
Conclusions
As you can see, Magnano is a town with a history rich in events, and offers many interesting places to visit. From the ancient and suggestive churches to the medieval monuments, Magnano is a perfect place to spend a day immersed in Italian culture.
