Saluggia
Let's discover Saluggia, the homeland of beans and the EUREX Plant!
If you're looking for a peaceful town where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the genuineness of local products, Saluggia is the place for you. This Piedmontese town of just under 4,000 inhabitants is located in the province of Vercelli and is known throughout Italy and the world for its production of high-quality beans. Additionally, the town is home to the EUREX Plant, an important center for biotechnology research and production for medicine and agriculture. Let's discover all the secrets of Saluggia!
Physical Geography
Geography and Hydrography
Saluggia is located next to a steep embankment carved by the Dora Baltea, a river that runs through Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta and Switzerland. The territory of the town is situated within the Special Nature Reserve of Isolotto del Ritano, where you can admire a series of basins, irrigation canals, and dams dating back to the nineteenth century. Among these, the Farini Canal, named after the Italian politician Luigi Carlo Farini, is particularly important for irrigating the territory: only three kilometers long, it has a flow of 70 cubic meters of water per second.
History
The origins of the name Saluggia are uncertain: according to some historians, it derives from the Saluvii, the area's first inhabitants, while others argue that the name may be linked to the presence of willows or the imposing groove carved by the Dora Baltea. The Romans occupied the territory until around the fourth century, when the barbarian invasions began. The first certain news about Saluggia dates back to 999 A.D. Subsequently, the fiefdom passed to the Mazzetti family in 1440 and to the Savoia family in 1631. Over the centuries, the town has seen the construction of numerous fortifications, many of which were demolished starting from the seventeenth century.
Symbols
The banner of Saluggia is a red cloth.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
In Saluggia, it is possible to admire some interesting churches. The Parish Church of San Grato, built at the end of the sixteenth century, has undergone numerous renovations in the following centuries. The Church of San Bonaventura, instead, was built in the seventeenth century following the vow made by the Saluggians to have been saved from a Spanish assault on July 14, 1643.
Typical Products
Saluggia is known worldwide for its production of beans, which have obtained the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Various types of beans are grown here, including the Saluggia Bean, small and flavorful, and the Zolfino Bean, with its characteristic yellow-gold color. In town, you can purchase these products and enjoy them in the numerous local restaurants.
The EUREX Plant
Saluggia is also home to an important center for biotechnology research and production: the EUREX Plant. This facility is involved in the study and production of medicines and products for agriculture, utilizing innovative biotechnology technologies. The Plant also houses a didactic museum, where you can learn more about scientific research and practical applications of biotechnology.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Saluggia is a true treasure for those who love nature, history, and high-quality local products. Here, you can admire important architectural and naturalistic works, taste local gastronomic specialties, and discover the cutting-edge of scientific research in the field of biotechnology. If you want to get away from the chaos of the city and immerse yourself in the charm of the Piedmontese province, Saluggia is the right place for you!
