マッジョーラの洞窟・トップ4

The hamlet of Lortallo was a very pleasant surprise for me. Leaving Ameno, I was attracted by the sight of the mighty tower, which I later discovered was built in the 13th century. It is in excellent condition. Next to the tower, there is the Church of San Grato, which dates back to the 18th century (the bell tower is dated 1758). To the side of the tower and the church (which unfortunately I found closed and which is rarely open), closing the pretty little square, there is one of the entrances to Palazzo Decio, which I could only see from the outside because it is privately owned. However, the palace is used as a location for weddings and other celebrations, so online it is possible to see the interior, which develops around a large garden with a splendid view of Lake Orta. But the surprises offered by Lortallo do not stop there. In fact, I read that archaeological research conducted in Lortallo between 1915 and 1938, brought to light one of the most important necropolises of the early First Iron Age. The necropolis complex features tombs dating from the 9th to the 5th century BC and the findings can be placed within the Golasecca Culture, a common expression of various Celtic tribal groups that lived in the early Iron Age in western Lombardy, the Novara area and the Canton of Ticino. In short, it seems that Lortallo has been inhabited since the dawn of time.

Still very well preserved - great panoramic view

on sunny days, excellent view of Lake Orta

At the top of Mount San Lorenzo this fortress was built in 1187 by decision of the Municipality of Vercelli in agreement with Bishop Alberto, owner of the territory. The castle was built in about three years, and the municipal statutes required that it be inhabited by the castellan with the whole family and with a small permanent garrison.

The Castle of San Lorenzo owes its name to the church of San Lorenzo which was located inside the walls of the Castle. The castle is 504 m above sea level, overlooking the valley where the Sesia flows and you can enjoy an exceptional 360 degree view.

Anyone traveling along the road from Romagnano to Prato Sesia cannot fail to notice the remaining tower of the Sopramonte castle. It is easily reachable with a path and a road that leads to the nearby church

On the hill of Prato Sesia are the remains of the Castello di Sopramonte and the Giant Bench n. 127. From here you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the village, Monte Rosa and the area of the Sesia Supervolcano, one of the few cases in the world of a fossil supervolcano, recognized by UNESCO as a Geopark.

charming little place