Pettinengo
Discover Pettinengo: a small town with big attractions!
Pettinengo is a town located in the province of Biella in Piedmont, Italy. With only 1458 inhabitants, this tranquil town seems to peacefully sleep among the basins of the Strona di Mosso, Chiebbia, and Quargnasca streams. However, there are many curiosities to discover about this municipality, from its origins to the mountainous territory that surrounds it.
Physical geography
Pettinengo is located in the province of Biella, precisely in the central part, between the basin of the Strona di Mosso and its tributaries Chiebbia and Quargnasca streams. The highest point is represented by Monte Turlo while the lowest point is located on the Strona valley floor. The center of the municipality is located at an altitude of 700 meters on the slopes of Cima Sant'Eurosia. Thanks to its panoramic position, the town is known as "The Balcony of Biellese". Some of the most relevant hamlets of the municipality include Vaglio, located on the southern side of Monte Turlo, and San Francesco, positioned on a hill near Ternengo. The municipality is also the owner of a vast mountainous territory located in the Val Sessera that culminates with Cima di Bo.
Origins of the name
The name of the town seems to derive from the Latin "Pectinennum" or "Petinaneum". The term referred to the combs used in past centuries for wool carding.
History
Since the Middle Ages, the territory where Pettinengo is located was crossed by an important connection route between the Biellese plain and the upper Strona di Mosso valley. The area was part of the Bioglio district until 1623, when Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy recognized Pettinengo as an autonomous municipality. Wool production played a fundamental role in the history of Pettinengo, so much so that the entrepreneur Bernardo Bellia founded here the Maglificio Bellia in 1851, subsequently becoming Liabel SpA.
Recently, in 1964, the Pianezze di Camandona hamlet passed to the municipality of Camandona. In 2017, the former municipality of Selve Marcone was incorporated into that of Pettinengo.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Pettinengo was granted by decree of the President of the Republic on March 24, 2000.
Monuments and places of interest
Villa Piazzo is one of the most interesting places in Pettinengo. It was built starting from the second half of the 19th century for the Bellia family, considered true pioneers of the local wool industry. The villa occupies the top of the homonymous hill that dominates the municipal capital from the south and is surrounded by a large park where three giant sequoias are of particular relevance. In addition, on the top of Monte Turlo, there is the church of Sant'Eurosia, built in the 10th century.
In summary, Pettinengo is a little-known gem that encapsulates a breathtaking history and nature. Anyone who has the opportunity to visit it should not miss the chance to admire its beauties.
