Borgolavezzaro

Borgolavezzaro is a village nestled in the Novara countryside, surrounded by rice fields and waterways that shape its landscape, with nature trails inviting visitors to explore a peaceful environment rich in biodiversity. Mentioned in documents as early as the 11th century, the village came under the rule of noble families such as the Visconti and the Sforza, playing an important role in the agricultural system of the Po Valley.Rice cultivation, introduced in the 15th century, remained the village’s main economic activity for centuries, and the work of the mondine (female rice field workers) profoundly influenced the social life of the community. Today, the area is enriched by sites of significant natural interest, such as Campo della Ghina, Campo della Sciura, and the Agogna Morta area—spaces that have been revitalized through environmental protection projects, reflecting a renewed bond between the community and its landscape.The historic center is home to the Church of Saints Bartolomeo and Gaudenzio, designed by the renowned architect Alessandro Antonelli, best known for the Mole Antonelliana in Turin. It also features ancient farmsteads and historic buildings that bear witness to the area’s agricultural past.