Brovello Carpugnino
Brovello Carpugnino is a town in upper Vergante that united two independent villages in 1928 (for a total of 600 inhabitants): Brovello and Carpugnino The area extends along the valley at the edges of Mount Mottarone, behind Belgirate at 400-500 metres asl. It’s an area where nature thrives, also due to the influx of several rivers and streams (where fishing is also practiced).
Brovello
By taking Strada del Vergante north, visitors first reach Brovello, which is located between two streams that have dug out deep valleys. The village is mentioned in sources as early as 1235, under the name Broello. It was certainly a fortified town, although the castle fell to ruins in the 15th century.
Entering town, on the left is the 17th-century Church of S. Rocco, which was expanded in the last century. The town’s historic nucleus reveals its medieval origins, as demonstrated by the remaining architectural details such as its beautiful stone portals.
A little road descends towards the stream, which is crossed by an old stone bridge. The road continues to the Church of S. Pietro, which has a marvellous Romanesque 11th-century bell tower with 6 levels separated by bricks arranged in a sawtooth profile, classical single-light openings on the bottom and two-light openings on the top. The three carved wooden altars inside are worth taking a look at.
Carpugnino
The important Church of S. Donato is in Carpugnino and was declared a national monument in 1902. It was built in Romanesque style in the 12th century. The side naves were added in the 12th and 14th centuries, a portico was built in the 16th century and it was raised in the last century. However, the original Romanesque layout is still quite visible: the façade has a decorative stone strip, which continues on the side walls, and terracotta arches. The apse also belongs to the original Romanesque building, while the apses enclosing the side naves were built later.
Events and entertainment in Brovello Carpugnino
In addition to the recreational fishing enjoyed in the streams in the valley, there is also an 18-hole golf course: Golf des Iles Borromées.
The most important festival in town is the Festival of San Rocco in honour of the patron saint, which is held every year on 19 August.
Brovello Carpugnino is just a short distance from the beautiful, exclusive town of Stresa (the exit for Stresa is precisely the Carpugnino exit when travelling on the motorway). Other villages in the Vergante area such as Massino Visconti, are easy to reach, as is Mount Mottarone.
