Rivarolo Canavese, Province of Torino, Piedmont
Rivarolo rises on the right bank of the Orco river, a tributary of the Po, and is a flourishing industrial and agricultural center. The name derives from "Riparolium" meaning "little place along the river bank" and stems from the position of the town along the banks of the river.
Info
- Altitude: 304 m a.s.l
- Population: about 12,000 inhabitants
- Zip/postal code: 10086
- Dialing Area Code: +39 0124
- Patron Saint: St. James, celebrated on 25th July
- Frazioni & Localities: Argentera, Bonaudi, Cardine, Mastri, Obiano, Paglie, Pasquaro, Praglie, Sant'Anna, Vesignano
History
On the site there was a Roman settlement, as shown by the ruins of the ancient town walls, probably the seat of Roman military outposts, fighting against the Salassi people. In the Middle Ages it was probably occupied by the Burgundians, Lombards and Franks until 400, when it became the property of Arduino. Later on, the territory was divided between the Counts of San Martino and the Counts of Valperga, who built the castles of Malgrà and Castellazzo. The rivalry between these two families finally saw the Savoy intervention, and a period of peace followed during which the inhabitants organized a first municipal government.
What to see
- The church of San Michele, built in the 18th century on a prospect of architect Vittorie with a beautiful altar in colored marble.
- The 12th-century Malgrà Castle, restored in the 19th century, preserving frescos of the 15th century.
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