Pettenasco
The town of Pettenasco (just a little over 1,300 inhabitants) directly overlooks Lake Orta just past Orta San Giulio, heading in the direction of Omegna. North of the village is the Crabbia headland, one of the most well-known scenic points on the lake because its view spans towards Omegna and Orta.
Pettenasco: history
As many other towns on Lake Orta, Pettenasco also belonged to the island’s Longobardic dukedom, later became an independent fief of the Cusio area, and was finally once again controlled by the bishops in Novara.
The oldest church in the village is dedicated to S. Audenzio. Legend has it he was the local prefect and a friend of Saint Julius in the evangelisation of the Cusio area (4th century) - who is buried next to him in the Basilica of San Giulio, on the island.
Only the bell tower (one of the oldest in the area) remains of the Church of S. Audenzio, or better yet, of the Romanesque building, however the church was rebuilt with a second tower in the 18th century and was dedicated to S. Audenzio and S. Caterina. The valuable canvas by Giulio Cesare Procaccini depicts the Adorazione dei pastori (Adoration of the Shepherds).
Tourism and industry in Pettenasco
Today, Pettenasco (with its Lido) is one of the most popular towns on Lake Orta; tourists here find suitable services in addition to the charming Cusio area. The industrial activities in Omegna also involve the population in Pettenasco – and with reason.
Once the traditional activities of the Cusio area also prospered here: agriculture, fishing and crafts. However, several watermills were set up in the second half of the 19th century as factories in Pettenasco and the village specialised in the art of wood turning. For the most part, objects of common household use were obtained, and perhaps this was the ideal association between Pettenasco’s wooden household items and Omegna’s steel household items.
The Cusius Eco-Museum
The Museum of the Art of Wood Turning is precisely dedicated to this old trade and is set up inside one of the watermills once used as a factory. The Cusius Eco-Museum is also in Pettenasco. It was created in 1997 based on a local initiative and has been recognised by the Region of Piedmont: this information and organisational network aims to enhance the area through museums, itineraries and initiatives.
