Rosazza
Discovering Rosazza: a journey through time
Rosazza, also known as Arsaja in Piedmontese, is a small municipality in the province of Biella, located in the high Valle Cervo. With only 104 inhabitants, it is a charming village that preserves the charm of the past, thanks especially to its monuments and places of interest. In this journey through time, I will take you on a discovery of the history, symbols, castle, church-temple and palazzo.
History
Rosazza has very ancient origins, dating back to the Celtic-Roman period. It was then contested between the most powerful families in the area, such as the Avogadro and Vialardi, until the XVIII century when it came under the control of the diocese of Vercelli. In the XIX century, Senator Federico Rosazza, a member of the Mazzinian Young Italy movement and Grand Venerable Master of the Biella Masonic Lodge, decided to leave an indelible mark in the history of the town with the construction of unique monuments.
Symbols
One of Rosazza's most significant symbols are the three valleys that stand on the access arch to the castle, which represent the three valleys that meet in the region: Valle Cervo, Valle del Lys, and Valle del Lierna. Another symbol present on the walls of the complex is the swastika cross, linked to a Gallic cult of female fertility. Despite the negative connotation it takes on today due to Nazism, it represents a symbol of luck and prosperity in many ancient cultures.
Monuments and places of interest
The castle
The castle of Rosazza was built at the behest of Senator Federico Rosazza, with the aim of displaying his paintings in a large gallery. Built between 1883 and 1899 and designed by Giuseppe Maffei, the building presents an aesthetic of ruin: the chipped masonry and false columns and architraves recall the ancient temples of Paestum. The Masonic theme is especially present in the access arch to the walls, which reproduces that of the city of Volterra. In the garden there are also two stone-carved bears, a symbol of strength and power.
The Church-Temple
The Church-Temple is the result of Federico Rosazza's desire to demolish a pre-existing Christian church and build a new one that uniquely represented his worldview. The project was entrusted to Giuseppe Maffei, who inserted elements reminiscent of Masonic tradition, such as the checkerboard pavement of the atrium, the swastika cross on the main wall, and roses, a symbol of purity and perfection. The church-temple is strategically positioned along a path that connects Valle del Cervo with the Sanctuary of San Giovanni d'Andorno, ending at the Sanctuary of Oropa.
The palazzo
The current town hall of Rosazza, designed by Giuseppe Maffei between 1880 and 1881, was originally intended to house the seat of the municipality of Piedicavallo. The building, with its tower and white marble staircase, is an example of elegant and harmonious architecture. Every decorative detail of the palazzo was curated by Maffei himself, once again demonstrating his great skill in the art of architecture.
In conclusion, Rosazza is a small town that hides unique treasures of great historical and artistic value. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of these places and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in contact with history.
