Oulx
Sauze d'Oulx: the Piedmontese Municipality
Sauze d'Oulx is a municipality located in the Val di Susa, in Piedmont, Italy. With a population of around 1125 inhabitants, Sauze d'Oulx is an agricultural and tourist center situated at 1509 meters above sea level. In this article, we will explore the history, geography, and places of interest of this town and its surrounding region.
Physical Geography
Sauze d'Oulx is located in an area that widens laterally to form the Oulx basin, with Monte Genevris (2536 m) to the west and a splendid view of the surrounding Alps. Its location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the wonderful Val di Susa.
Origins of the Name
The name "sauze" derives from the Latin "salix," which means "willow," as evidenced by the form "Salice" from 1223. According to some theories, "sauze" could also derive from the pre-Indo-European word "sauza," which indicates a rocky place.
History
The presence of Celtic settlement remains demonstrates that the area was already inhabited in pre-Roman times. The city went through many wars and conflicts, including the period of the Goths, the Lombards, the Burgundians, the Saracens, and the French religious wars. After many centuries of administrative autonomy, Sauze d'Oulx was annexed to the House of Savoy in 1713, as part of the entire upper Valle di Susa.
The Battle of Assietta
In 1747, Sauze d'Oulx was the scene of one of the most famous battles of the Austrian Succession War: the Battle of Assietta. This war saw France and Piedmont ranged against each other, with the French general Belle-Isle who was defeated and killed. The Liberty Tree, planted in 1793 to celebrate the French Revolution, can still be seen today in front of the church of Sauze.
Fascism and Resurgence
During the fascist period, the name of Sauze d'Oulx was changed to Salice d'Ulzio and was aggregated to the municipality of Oulx. However, when the war ended, Sauze d'Oulx returned to being an autonomous municipality and resumed its original name.
Symbols
The coat of arms and banner of Sauze d'Oulx were granted by the President of the Republic on February 16, 1967. The banner is a white and blue drapery.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The parish church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the main attractions of the town and is from the sixteenth century. It features a pseudo-Romanesque bell tower and preserves a green stone baptismal font and an eighteenth-century wooden altarpiece from the Melezet school. Sauze d'Oulx is an ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding Alps and for freestyle skiing competitions, as demonstrated by its participation in the XX Winter Olympics.
In summary, Sauze d'Oulx is a tourist and agricultural center located in the wonderful Val di Susa. Its history is rich in events and conflicts, and the city has preserved some splendid monuments and places of cultural interest that are definitely worth a visit. If you are looking for a pleasant destination for your next vacation, don't hesitate to discover Sauze d'Oulx!
