Varallo
Varallo Sesia: an art city in Valsesia
Varallo Sesia, simply known as Varallo, is an Italian municipality of approximately 7,000 inhabitants located in Valsesia, in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont. It is the second-largest city in the province and is recognized as an art city, thanks to its historic center and the famous Sacro Monte di Varallo.
Physical geography
Varallo is located at the confluence of the Mastallone stream into the Sesia river, almost at the mouth of Valsesia on the Vercelli plain. The municipal territory ranges from the Massa del Turlo, reaching a peak of 1960 meters in the north, to the Bec d'Ovaga in the southwest, which dominates the city from 1631 meters. The city is characterized by a continental climate.
Name origin
The etymology of the name Varallo is not certain, but it is thought to derive from "vararius," meaning "rough, uncultivated place." The name appears for the first time in a document dating back to the eleventh century, where it is mentioned as "Varade," while the name "Varale" began to be established from the twelfth century.
History of Varallo
During the Second World War, Varallo was the "Valsesia military zone command," with Cino Moscatelli as a war commissioner, Eraldo (Ciro) Gastone as a military commander, and Aldo (Aldo) Benoni as head of staff. In addition, on July 11, 1944, the Valsesia partisan republic was proclaimed, with its capital in Varallo.
The Sacro Monte di Varallo
The Sacro Monte di Varallo is one of the most important places of worship of the Catholic Church in Piedmont and represents one of the main tourist attractions of the city. Dating back to the fifteenth century, the sanctuary was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003.
Varallo Vecchio and more recent areas
Varallo is divided into two parts by the Mastallone stream, which separates the historic center, called Varallo Vecchio, from more recent areas. The city combines industrial and tourist activities, offering many opportunities for those who want to discover its history and the beauty of its territory.
Conclusions
In summary, Varallo Sesia is an art city located in Valsesia, in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont. Known above all for the Sacro Monte di Varallo, it is a highly appreciated tourist destination. Its territory, ranging from the Massa del Turlo to the Bec d'Ovaga, reaches a peak of 1960 meters in the north and is characterized by a continental climate. The history of Varallo also saw the city as a protagonist during the Second World War. Today, the city combines industrial and tourist activities and represents an ideal destination for those who want to discover the beauty and history of Valsesia.
