Arcumeggia
The village of Arcumeggia has been a hamlet of Casalzuigno since 1927. The origin of the place name Arx media is most likely due to its position between two valleys (Valcuvia and Valtravaglia).
History of Arcumeggia
Starting in 1956, the town, which was already well known for its votive frescoes, was transformed into “painted town” on the will of the Provincial Body for Tourism which used this way in its attempt to limit the progressive abandonment of Arcumeggia by its inhabitants.
The location was later the setting for event Pittori in Vacanza (artists on holiday) followed by several summer courses on the fresco technique, which were started in the 1960's and continued for over 30 years. The Casa del Pittore (artist’s home) was built in 1957 based on a project by Bruno Ravasi in order to provide hospitality to the artists staying the village while they were completing their work. Since then, some 40 works have been created by artists the likes of Aligi Sassu, Giuseppe Migneco, Aldo Carpi, Bruno Saetti and Gianfilippo Usellini.
The subjects are those which most intensely characterised the life and vicissitudes of Arcumeggia: in addition to the cited religious themes, there is emigration, arts and trades associated with farm life, allegorical portraits of inhabitants and more recently, landscapes. With the depopulation of the town, cultivated lands and pastures gave way to the woods surrounding the town today, and once widespread flocks now only include the goat (so-called bocc), the symbol of Arcumeggia and a recurring image in the frescoes.
Arcumeggia: things to see
Visiting this place is an occasion to enjoy charming views offered by the village’s narrow alleys and breathtaking scenes over the valley and Lake Maggiore. We recommend starting in the churchyard of the Church of Sant’Ambrogio with its 14 Stations of the Cross, climb up towards the right, past the homes and courtyards until you get to Casa del Pittore, home to the preparatory sketches and drawings for the paintings.
Events in Arcumeggia
The Festa della Madonna del Carmine (Festival of Madonna del Carmine) takes place the third Sunday in July. Holy Mass is celebrated and a procession unwinds down the town roads. There is a food & wine festival offering typical local Bicc cheese the first Sunday in September. The Festa patronale di Sant’Ambrogio (Festival of Patron Saint Ambrose) on 7 December combines religiousness and good food; festivities begin after Mass and include music and typical dishes.
