Netro
Let's discover Netro together!
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about the Municipality of Netro, a small town located in the province of Biella, in Piedmont.
Physical geography
Netro is located about 12 kilometers southwest of the capital, and is situated on the eastern side of the Morenic Ridge of Ivrea, which separates it from Canavese. The territory of the municipality covers an area of 12.63 km² with a height of 606 meters above sea level.
The boundaries of the municipality are roughly triangular in shape, with a northern vertex at the foot of Colma di Mombarone and a base arranged in an east-west direction along the course of the Ingagna stream. Near the border with the municipalities of Mongrando and Graglia, the stream is blocked by a dam that forms Lake Ingagna. The main hamlets of Netro are Castellazzo, Colla and Bossola, the latter located on the provincial road 512 Tracciolino, at an altitude of 956 meters, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Po Valley. Bossola is also just 2 km from the Sanctuary of Graglia.
History
The name Netro is believed to derive from the Celtic word ''Neostro'', meaning the last place of defense, where the Celts took refuge during their last fight against the Romans. However, the first documents attesting to the existence of Netro date back only to the 12th century, when Bishop Uguccione of Vercelli granted the village to the Recagno family.
In the 13th century, the Recagno family lost their power and the fief passed to the De Netro nobles, who in 1339 gave it to the Lombard Bishop della Torre. With the surrender of Biella to the House of Savoy in 1379, Netro joined the powerful Avogadro family, who pledged allegiance to the Savoy family on behalf of Netro.
Monuments and places of interest
The church of Santa Maria Assunta
The church of Santa Maria Assunta is the most important monument of Netro. It dates back to the 11th century and is in Romanesque style. Initially, the church was located in the center of the ancient village, but later the Netro cemetery was built around the building.
Originally, the church had only one nave with a small presbytery placed in a semicircular apse. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the building was raised and enlarged by the construction of two side naves culminating in as many apses. Inside the church, there are remains of frescoes placed in the basin of the central apse made in 1425.
Until 1621, Santa Maria Assunta was the parish church of Netro. In the seventeenth century, the main nucleus of the village moved further up the hill and the church of Santa Maria Assunta gradually lost its importance. Currently, the church is used as a cemetery and was completely restored in 1985.
Society
Demographic evolution
As of 2021, the Municipality of Netro has 939 inhabitants. The population has been steadily declining in recent years due to the decline in the birth rate and migration to larger urban centers.
Culture
Legends
There is an old legend about Netro that concerns the so-called "Pè D'Oca". It is said that on Christmas night, the peasants of Netro saw long-legged little men, the "Pè D'Oca", appear on the hills of the village. These little men brought a golden egg to those who met them as a sign of good luck for the new year. It was said that the "Pè D'Oca" were the guardians of the fertility of the valley and the city itself. The legend gave Netro the nickname of the Village of Ochè.
We've come to the end! I hope you enjoyed this journey of discovery through Netro, a small town rich in history and culture, immersed in nature with breathtaking panoramas. If you are in the area, don't forget to visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta and ask about the enchanting "Pè D'Oca". See you soon!
