Pralungo
Walking in Pralungo
If you are looking for a peaceful place for a stroll in the midst of nature, perhaps with some history and art to admire along the way, why not try visiting Pralungo? This municipality located in the province of Biella, in Piedmont, offers interesting itineraries among its villages and places of interest.
Physical geography
The municipal center of Pralungo is located on top of a hill that divides two valleys, that of Oropa and that of Cervo. Right here, at the top of the ridge, is the ideal stop to rest and admire the panoramic view before continuing the walk. The Sant'Eurosia village, located upstream from the capital and surrounded by woods and meadows, is the ideal place for those looking for the peace of nature.
Toponymy and history
The name of Pralungo refers to the ancient utilization of its lands, characterized by wide expanses of stable grassland. The municipality was formerly a possession of the municipality of Tollegno, mainly used for mountain pasture. In 1623, Pralungo obtained municipal autonomy and was subsequently enfeoffed to the Piovana family, which held it until 1814 when it passed to Count Ignazio Thaon di Revel.
In 1941, during the fascist period, the municipality applied for and obtained the official concession of the coat of arms, which provided for "quartered in silver and green, the first charged with a sickle placed in pale," with the replacement of a golden star for the sickle and the addition of the Capo del Littorio. After the end of the war and the abolition of fascism, the ancient coat of arms was restored by a decree of the President of the Republic in 1949.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the churches of Pralungo, stand out the Parish Church of Santa Maria della Pace, built in the eighteenth century and enriched with valuable paintings and frescoes, and the Church of the Trinity, located at the top of the hill, with a bell tower that offers a panoramic view of the valley.
Society and demographic evolution
Pralungo currently has about 2,200 inhabitants and is part of the Mountain Community Valle Cervo. In recent decades, the population has been affected by a phenomenon of aging, but some signals of repopulation have also been recorded thanks to the settlement of young families from the city.
Administration and mountain community
The administrative life of the municipality of Pralungo is managed by the Mountain Community Valle Cervo, which has its headquarters in Andorno Micca. In fact, the history of Pralungo is closely linked to that of the neighboring municipalities of the lower Cervo valley, with which it has shared the historical and cultural events of the territory.
Conclusions
Those who come to Pralungo find a peaceful place, immersed in nature but also rich in history and artistic evidence. Thanks to its churches, its paths, and its villages, this municipality in the province of Biella offers the possibility of spending a pleasant day with family or friends, among walks, picnics, and cultural visits.
