Lessolo
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Lessolo is easily reached by car along the state road (Turin-Aosta) or via the nearby Ivrea motorway exit (motorway ). The nearest railway connection is the Ivrea station, with regional lines that make it possible to reach Turin and Aosta in a short time. For those coming from further afield, the reference airports are Turin-Caselle and, at a greater distance, Milan-Malpensa. The local road network quickly connects Lessolo to the surrounding municipalities and the capital of Ivrea.
Introduction
Lessolo is a municipality located in the metropolitan city of Turin, nestled in the northern part of Piedmont and in close contact with the striking landscape of the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre. The territory of Lessolo lies on the edge of the Canavese plain, to the right of the Dora Baltea river, and presents an altimetrical diversity typical of transition areas between the plain and low mountain slopes. The environment, characterised by a mosaic of cultivated land, woods and morainic outcrops, reveals a deep historical and natural stratification. The town, although small in size, preserves evidence of a past that sees it among the oldest villages in the area, with traces from the Salassi, Roman and Longobard periods. The etymology of the name Lessolo remains uncertain, but some sources trace it back to Latin roots such as Lesulum or Leuzolus, probably connected to meadows or pasture areas.
Description
The documented history of Lessolo begins in 1044, the year of the first written mention, and already by the 12th century the village had its own community and religious organisation, with the foundation of the parish of San Giorgio around 1305. The construction of the Cagnis Castle also dates back to the medieval period, still recognisable today for its two differently shaped towers - one square, the other cylindrical - architectural evidence of the alternating local feudal events. The town was involved in clashes between seigniories and suffered destruction during the Tuchini revolt in the 14th century, but the castle was later rebuilt and transformed into a noble residence. Over the centuries, under the control of families such as the Cagnis and the Cognengo, Lessolo maintained a lively community life regulated by ancient statutes, while mining and craft activities contributed to the local economy, along with agriculture.
The social fabric of Lessolo is distinguished by its attachment to traditions: the religious festivities linked to St George, the town's patron saint, punctuate the calendar and preserve a participatory dimension. Among the particularities that have marked local history, the construction of the famous public fountains from 1860 onwards stands out, a sign of progress and administrative vitality after the Unification of Italy.
The surrounding environment offers various excursion possibilities, with routes that go along the Serra d'Ivrea, the woods of the Valchiusella or towards neighbouring areas: hill paths, ancient mining tracks and panoramic viewpoints tell the story of the territory to nature, history and geography enthusiasts. Further characterising the landscape are the agricultural terraces and the presence of wooded areas that are home to a variety of flora and fauna, testifying to the importance of the relationship between community and environment.
Information
Area:7.41 km²
Altitude:300m
Maximum elevation: 520m - Bonella Region
Number of inhabitants: 1.820 (datum 2023)
Name in dialect: Léssoj
Inhabitants' name: Lessolesi
Patron Saint: San Giorgio (23 April)
Bordering communes: Brosso, Borgofranco d'Ivrea, Montalto Dora, Val di Chy
Website: www.comune.lessolo.to.it