Vocca
The Little Pearl of Vocca
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Vocca, a tiny Piedmontese village with only 157 inhabitants. It is located in the province of Vercelli, in northern Valsesia, near the town of Varallo. Despite its small size, Vocca is a true gem worth visiting.
In the Heart of Nature
Vocca is immersed in unspoiled nature and presents several altitude variations: starting from the 490 meters of the valley floor up to the 1827 meters above sea level of the highest point. From the village, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.
A Name that Hides Stories
Vocca derives from the term "Ovago," which in Piedmontese means "north." This is because some of the hamlets of the village are devoid of sunlight for about two months a year due to their exposure. Others argue instead that the name derives from the Spanish word "Oveja," given the presence of flocks in the area. Finally, some local historians claim that the oldest toponym is "Oveca," due to the vineyard cultivation present in the territory in the past.
A Millennial History
The first news about Vocca dates back to the 12th century. In the past, it was part of the parish of Varallo, but then distinguished itself for jurisdiction, devotion, and artistic contributions. In particular, the sacred works of important artists such as Antonio Orgiazzi, Deominici, and Jan De are interesting.
Symbols of the Village
The symbol of Vocca is Saint Maurice on a horse, the patron saint of the village, while the seven stars represent the different hamlets into which the territory is divided. The village's flag is a beautiful shade of blue.
Artistic Beauties
The parish church of San Maurizio Martire is a beautiful example of religious architecture. Built between 1769 and 1777, it has a stone facade in late Baroque style, very simple but impressive. Inside, you can admire multiple works of art, including an ancient altarpiece dating back to 1567 and several frescoes by Antonio Orgiazzi. Don't miss the 18th-century painting depicting the Blessed Panacea, Saint Lucia, and Saint Peter and Paul.
The Organ
In the church, the organ deserves special mention, a work by the Bernasconi brothers, built in the 19th century. Equipped with a keyboard with a leg and 31 real registers, it is an example of a late 19th-century Italian symphonic orchestral instrument with mechanical transmission.
Conclusions
In summary, Vocca is a small pearl of a village that is absolutely worth visiting. The unspoiled nature, the artistic beauty of the parish church, and the centennial organ are a source of great fascination for those who decide to come here. Make sure to make a stop in Vocca if you are in the area!
