Paruzzaro
Paruzzaro rises on the border of the Vergante area in the direction of Novara, between Arona and Invorio. It is believed the village was established sometime in the 13th century, although Roman and Pre-Roman traces have always been in the area. Some of these finds are now kept in Arona at the Museum of Archaeology.
Tourism in Paruzzaro
The Church of San Marcello Papa is the oldest monument in Paruzzaro. It was built approximately 1 km from town and is surrounded by a cemetery. This Romanesque building only has one nave and a simple gabled façade with a sloping roof, and is embellished with several interesting frescoes.
The little church dedicated to San Grato Vescovo (1500’s) is also quite interesting.
Lastly is the Church of San Siro, which was built towards the end of the 1500’s as an expansion to the old chapel (almost 500 years older). In fact, the original bell tower dominating the church dates back to the 1100’s.
Borgoagnello
The hamlet of Borgoagnello (which borders with the “farmsteads”) is crossed by trunk road Statale Biellese and is of significant historic interest as it was the stage for numerous battles for a long time. Its tumultuous past is demonstrated by the moat surrounding the village (a large section of which is still visible), and by the two monumental Romanesque gates that are still standing despite instructions of Galeazzo Visconti in war against Marquis del Monferrato. There is also small sepulchre from the 2nd century AD in the area.
Borgoagnello was only united with Paruzzaro in the 1880’s; its position next to Roman and Pre-Roman settlements is due to mayor of Novara Zuchono de Agnello (1237), who gave it his name.
The Arona exit off motorway A26 heading towards Gravellona Toce is also in the area of Borgoagnello. There are many industrial and commercial businesses in the area along the trunk road heading towards the lake.
Events and entertainment in Paruzzaro
Paruzzaro also has many events throughout the year: festivals, street markets, chestnut festival and the patron saint in honour of San Siro (9 December).
