Nole
Welcome to Nole: History, Geography and Origin of the Name
Hello everyone! Welcome to Nole, a municipality of about 6,700 inhabitants located in the metropolitan city of Turin in Piedmont, Italy. Nole is located at the foot of the Lanzo Valleys, northwest of Turin. The municipal territory is mainly flat and is crossed by the Stura di Lanzo stream, which separates the capital from the Grange fraction located to the southwest.
The name Nole has ancient origins. In fact, the first mention of its name dates back to 1209, with the meaning "Novolis". Other ancient texts report toponyms such as "Novulae", "Nollis", "Nolle". Tradition has it that the name "Nole" derives from the Latin verb "nolle" ("not wanting to submit"), which symbolizes the protest carried out by our ancestors towards Ciriè for the payment of taxes and tolls. According to historians, instead, the name seems to derive from "Novulae" ("oasis in the midst of woods").
But what is the history of Nole? Our village already existed around the year 1000, and inside the parish church of San Vincenzo, the remains of a Romanesque church dating back to 1100 were found during restoration work carried out in 1984. The first evidence of autonomous community, however, is only found from the 14th century. Until then, the village depended on the Castellania di Ciriè.
The Fortified Village of Nole
In 1336, Margherita di Savoia allowed the inhabitants of "locus Novolarum" to build a "ricetto" around the church, a walled enclosure with moats, drawbridges and portcullises, to defend men and goods from constant looting. Today, a stretch of the walls and the remains of the gate-tower towards Villanova are preserved, incorporated into a typical building, while the streets of the historic center clearly highlight the urban layout of the ancient fortified village.
In the following centuries there were numerous disputes with the municipality of Ciriè, especially for the definition of borders and the use of irrigation water.
The Achievements of the Community of Nole
Despite the difficulties, the community of Nole since 1420 had obtained autonomous management of the local oven, without having to depend on the local nobility. In 1441, it obtained from Duke Ludovico di Savoia, the license for its own canal, later shared with Villanova. In the sixteenth century, the village suffered, like many other villages of Canavese, serious damage from the repeated wars that were fought.
But the community of Nole never gave up and always fought for its rights. In 1561, the Duchy of Savoy definitively confirmed the privileges and exemptions that the population had conquered over time, after the expenditure of "good sums" by the Nolesi.
Nole Today
Today, Nole is a small municipality that develops around its church, which is the symbol of the town. The church of San Vincenzo, patron saint of the village, is rich in history and is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Visiting the historic center is a unique experience for those who want to discover the hidden corners of our village. Here one can see the ancient courtyards, noble palaces and, of course, the gate-tower of the fortified village.
Furthermore, Nole is famous for a unique event of its kind: the Fiera di San Vincenzo. Every year, on the last Sunday in September, this fascinating market fair takes place in the streets of the historic center, where typical products, clothing, and various goods can be found. A much-awaited festival, attended by both the Nolesi and tourists from all over Italy.
Let us not forget that Piedmontese cuisine is one of the most appreciated in Italy, and that is why in our town you can find numerous restaurants and farms where you can taste traditional dishes such as bagna cauda, finanziera and raw meat chopped with a knife.
And for those who love nature, Nole is an ideal starting point for excursions to the Lanzo Valleys, the surrounding mountains, or even a walk along the Stura di Lanzo stream.
If you decide to visit our village, keep in mind that we Nolesi are used to welcoming tourists with the utmost courtesy and hospitality. Do not hesitate to ask for information or advice: we will always be ready to help you.
Nole, a Municipality Worth Visiting
In short, Nole is a small municipality worth visiting. The beauty of the natural landscapes and the history that characterizes the streets of the historic center represent an ideal destination for those who want to discover places off the beaten tourist paths. The welcome will be warm and, we are sure, you will not regret it. Come and visit us and let yourself be enchanted by this small jewel of Piedmont.
