Ponderano
Get to know Ponderano, the small Piedmontese village
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about a small village in the province of Biella in Piedmont, called Ponderano. Despite having only 3,731 inhabitants, Ponderano has a long and interesting history behind it. Let's discover it together!
Origins of the name
Traditionally, the name Ponderano derives from the Latin "pondere aurum", which means "to weigh gold". It is believed that in the past there was a place for weighing gold with official certifications. However, there is also another hypothesis that the name derives from "Pons Aerianus", in turn formed by the personal name "Aerius" or "Herius".
The history of Ponderano
The first historical mention of Ponderano dates back to 882, when Emperor Charles the Fat donated the "Gran Corte" of Biella to the Diocese of Vercelli, to which Ponderano belonged. Throughout history, the village passed under the control of various noble families, such as the Cavaglià and the Avogadro di Cerrione. In 1404, the Avogadro di Cerrione submitted themselves to the Savoys, who invested them with the jurisdiction of Ponderano. The Avogadro pledged to defend and protect the community, but requested an annual payment of twenty-eight florins in return. Over the centuries, various laws and orders have been enacted in the village, regulating not only the legal but also the social and economic life of the community, with particular attention to agriculture.
However, the history of Ponderano has not been without difficulties. In 1409, a fire destroyed the town's castle and much of the village, causing damage to the ancient church as well. Despite everything, the community of Ponderano managed to rise again and move forward until the suppression of the feudal system.
The village of Ponderano today
Today, Ponderano is a village with only 3,731 inhabitants, but it is a place where a strong identity and great solidarity prevail. The community is very active and organizes numerous events throughout the year, such as fairs, festivals, and concerts. In addition, the village also boasts a cultural and artistic heritage of considerable interest, such as the Parish Church of San Martino Vescovo, which dates back to the fifteenth century, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sole, a place of worship much loved by Ponderano residents.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Ponderano is a very charming small Piedmontese village, with a lot of history behind it and a very active and supportive community. If you are in the area, I recommend visiting this little gem of Biella. See you soon!
