Oleggio
Welcome to Oleggio, the city of milk and wine
Hi everyone! Today I will talk about Oleggio, a municipality located in the province of Novara, in Piedmont. With a population of 14,167 people, it is the fifth largest municipality in the province. It is located approximately 14 km north of Novara and halfway between this city and Lake Maggiore. In addition, it is only 10 km from Milan-Malpensa airport. Oleggio is a predominantly agricultural city that produces cereals such as Zea mays and quality DOC Colline Novaresi wine. The city is also known for its milk production, so much so that in 2010 it was named the "City of Milk".
The origin of the name and the Roman era
There are several hypotheses about the origin of the name Oleggio. According to historian Antonio Rusconi, the name derives from "Olesin", which means "hill on the Ticino river". Others have hypothesized that it derives from "V Legio", the Fifth Legion of the Roman army that was based in the area. However, according to recent studies, the name derives from "ulivetum", which means "olive grove". In reality, the name of the city is still shrouded in mystery, as there is no definitive proof to support any of the many circulating hypotheses.
Oleggio was also influenced by Roman presence. In fact, crossed by the "via Novaria-Comum", a Roman road that connected Novara to Como, Oleggio has an inclined base grid to ensure that the "Cardine" was parallel to the course of the Ticino river that runs through the city. The Roman city has also been discovered thanks to numerous archaeological finds.
Medieval history
Subsequently, Oleggio was dominated by the Lombards, who used it as a stopover for their expeditions. During the invasions of the Magyars and the Saracens in northern Italy, a castle was built which was mentioned in a document dated April 982.
Later, the city experienced the domination of the Biandrate Counts and that of Novara. In the thirteenth century, Oleggio was elevated to a village and became a fortified city. According to the Statutes of 1272, the city had to continuously maintain the boundaries of its jurisdiction.
The title of "City of Milk"
Another characteristic of Oleggio is the production of high-quality milk. Oleggio contributed to 24% of the provincial milk production, which is why it was awarded the title of "City of Milk" on April 30, 2010. The municipality has made a constant effort to improve the processing of milk and its derivatives, such as fresh and aged cheeses. If you are a cheese lover, do not miss the opportunity to visit Oleggio and taste its products.
Conclusion
So here is a brief overview of Oleggio, a town where agricultural tradition and the production of quality milk and wine blend with its fascinating history. Oleggio is the perfect city for those looking for a small oasis of tranquility and refinement in the heart of Piedmont. Come visit Oleggio to discover the beauty of this city and its interesting history. We await you with open arms!
