Balzola
CASALE AREA
Zip Code 15031
Address: via roma, 67
Phone: +39 0142 80 41 31
E-Mail: info@comune.balzola.al.it
Web: www.comune.balzola.al.it
Population: 1452
Altitude: mt. 119
Tipology: plain
History, art and traditions
The name Balzola appears in maps conserved in the archives from around the year one thousand, replacing the name Carbantia, of Roman origins. After one thousand, Balzola was subjected to the Bishop of Vercelli; the Vercelli Commune erected Balzola in Borgo Franco with relative privileges. It then belonged to the Marquises of Monferrato, to the Duchy of Savoy, to the king of Sardinia and of Italy. The township of Balzola was involved in the bitter wars between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, between the Marquises of Monferrato and the Duchies of Savoy, between the French and Spanish, which several times pillaged and destroyed it. In 1859 Giuseppe Garibaldi made an appearance in Balzola, as guest of the parish priest, father Mandrino.
What to see
Parish church dedicated to the Assunta, grand work of Magnocavallo and painted with frescoes from 1944-45 by the famous Balzola-based painter Mario Micheletti. Church of S. Michele, elegant small octagonal temple that denotes the high-mindedness of the project of G.B. Scapitta, includes four large paintings by Guala. Fassati castle of 1600. Grignolio castle which Giovanni Grignolio had built in neo-gothic style in the 1930s.
What to taste
Panissa, a typical rice and bean-based dish. Apple and chestnut pie .