Prato Sesia
Welcome to Prato Sesia!
Prato Sesia is a small town with a population of 1836 located in the province of Novara, in the heart of the beautiful Piemonte region. If you wish to explore this wonderful city, know that you can immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of the area by visiting the most interesting places, such as the parish church of San Bernardo, the chapel of Madonna della Neve, and the chapel of San Sebastiano.
The History of Prato Sesia
The history of Prato Sesia dates back to the medieval era, when a large lake occupied the area between the Sopramonte and San Lorenzo hills where the town stands today. In the Middle Ages it was part of the municipality of Romagnano Sesia and only obtained the dignity of a separate municipality towards the mid-sixteenth century. General Giacomo Antonini, born here, was one of the most illustrious characters who marked the history of Prato Sesia. The name of the town was modified on May 31, 1863, when the term "Sesia" was added to distinguish it from other homonymous municipalities.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Parish Church of San Bernardo
The parish church of San Bernardo is the spiritual center of Prato Sesia. Dating back to the 14th century, it has three aisles supported by eight granite columns. Over time, it has undergone some expansion and renovation works, such as that of the choir in 1755 and the reconstruction of the bell tower in 1724. The right chapel, called the "Chapel of the Rosary," is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and painted by the Romagnanese painter Tarquinio Grassi in 1713. The left chapel, called the "Chapel of Santa Marta," is enriched by bas-reliefs representing the four cardinal virtues. The organ of the building, rebuilt after a lightning strike partially destroyed it in 1961, has 1468 pipes.
Chapel of Madonna della Neve
The chapel of Madonna della Neve was blessed in 1714 and is situated in a panoramic position, near the fraction of Baragiotta. To reach it, it is necessary to travel along a small uphill road, but the view of the city is worth it.
Chapel of San Sebastiano
The Chapel of San Sebastiano, built in 1730, is now deconsecrated but contains a fresco depicting the martyrdom of the saint. In the past, it was equipped with a portico that crossed the road, but it was destroyed to facilitate the passage of vehicles.
Conclusion
While visiting Prato Sesia, do not miss the opportunity to explore its hidden treasures, such as excellent local restaurants, shops selling typical products, and many cultural and artistic attractions. Whether you want to admire the natural beauty of the landscape or taste the culinary specialties of the city, here you will find everything you are looking for to make your experience in Piemonte unique.
