Massino Visconti
Discovering Massino Visconti
Welcome to the discovery of Massino Visconti, a small town in Piedmont with an interesting history and worthwhile places of interest. In this text, we will talk about its physical geography, the origins of its name, the history from Roman times to the Viscontis, the Visconti Castle of San Vito, and the Church of San Michele.
Physical geography
Massino Visconti is located on the southeastern slope of Mount San Salvatore in the hilly territory of Vergante, once rich in vineyards and olive groves. Overlooking Lake Maggiore, it offers a spectacular view of the Lombard shore of the lake, Ranco and the lakes of Monate and Varese. The municipal territory has significant variations in altitude, ranging from 260 to 922 meters above sea level.
Origins of the name
The name Massino Visconti comes from the combination of two words, "massa" meaning small agricultural property and "Visconti," only added in 1943 in memory of the Visconti past of the town.
History
From the origins to the Viscontis
Despite the probable Roman origins of the town, the only historical evidence of that era is a fragment of a tombstone walled under the porch of the rectory. The Longobard domination followed the Roman one. The first historical record dates back to the year 865, when Count Ermenulfo requested, through the mediation of Empress Angelberga, an imperial confirmation of the monastery of Massino.
The feudalization to the Viscontis was fundamental, who preserved the feudal prerogatives of the town from 1134 until the end of the eighteenth century. The events of the numerous Visconti family branches have also left traces of their passage through the Castle of Massino Visconti.
Monuments and places of interest
Visconti Castle of San Vito
The Castle of Visconti of San Vito is located at the entrance of the town and was initially born as a convent of the monks of San Gallo. Only later it was transformed by the Viscontis into a noble rural residence. The current structure is the result of a series of sixteenth-century reconstructions, which gave rise to a three-story building with a single tower. The balcony near the courtyard, from where the Viscontis spoke to the villagers, is interesting. In 1863 the castle was sold to Pietro Pallestrini, the mayor of Massino, who restored it and then passed it on to the Visconti of San Vito, the current owners with Marchesa Ludovica Visconti.
Church of San Michele
The Church of San Michele dates back to the mid-eleventh century and was the parish church until 1585 when a landslide severely damaged the structure and gave the bell tower the characteristic strong inclination it still has today.
Conclusion
Massino Visconti is a town with an interesting history and rich in places of interest, such as the Castle of Visconti of San Vito and the Church of San Michele. It deserves a visit to enjoy its beauty and discover its secrets.
