- VILLE E PALAZZI
Casalzuigno
The trunk road connecting Luino and Cittiglio crosses Casalzuigno in Valcuvia. The municipal area is divided into three main nuclei: Zuigno, Casale and Arcumeggia.
History in Casalzuigno
Zuigno - known in ancient times as Sovinium (later modified to Civignum) – has traces of the Roman period. Burials dating back to that period were discovered here. One of the most famous inhabitants of the Valley was born here in 1200: Jacobus De Civignio. He was first destined to be the canon and then the parish priest of the Parish of San Lorenzo in Cuvio.
The earliest news about Casale and the hamlet of Aga date back to the same century. Legal documents indicate that Marcadus, son of Ugo “de Aga de Casale”, was a witness to a transfer by deed, which took place in the parish of Cuvio.
Lastly, an item from the Neolithic period was found in Arcumeggia: an ophite axe-head. There is also much evidence relating to settlements located here dating back to the 13th century. Two centuries later, the noble Della Porta family set eyes on the valley and took it over by building important buildings here, including the well-known Villa Della Porta Bozzolo. However, both Casalzuigno and Arcumeggia were officially governed by a vicinia (assembly of neighbours). All family heads belonged to it and gathered in the town square on Sundays, after mass. The bells indicated the beginning of the session which was presided over by a mayor (assisted by a consul). Both offices were elective. The current municipality of Casalzuigno was established in 1927 with Royal Decree no. 2438 of 16/09/1927. It ratified the union of the Municipality of Casalzuigno with the one of Arcumeggia (very well-known today for its frescoes).
Aga
This miniscule hamlet can only be reached on a gravel road. The town is characterised by rustic, albeit picturesque stone mountain huts and charming mountain pastures scattered in the woods. It’s home to the valuable little Church of San Bernardino built in the 15th century and later expanded. The frescoes here are quite interesting as is the unusual bell tower with a triangular section.
