Oleggio Castello
Itineraries From the Park all around
Minitour Oleggio Castello (1/2) 
The village of Oleggio Castello was founded in the Gallo-Roman period on the moraines to the north of the Lagoni Park. In fact, in the center of the urban area a tombstone (1st AD) was found. It was dedicated to Banona, daughter of Doconis, whose names bear witness to their Gallic descent.
Nearby, cinerary urns, vases and roman coins were also found.
The name Olegium might derive from late Latin oletulum, "small olive orchard", with a later explanation: Olegium qui dicitur Langobardorum, which proves the presence of Longobard people as early as 973. It is therefore possible that Longobards settled there since the 6th century, in a strategic position on the hill overlooking the village, where in the Middle Ages the castle was already mentioned.
The important branch of the Visconti from Oleggio, famous thanks to the Archbishop Ottone and Giovanni from Oleggio, might be descended from those barbarian invaders.
The ancient castle must not be confused with the present day castle belonging to the Marquises Dal Pozzo, which stands towards the lake at the far side of the village. It was built in 1865, in 16th century English Gothic style.
The oldest monument in the village is St. Gratus' oratory, which it seems was dedicated to the saint when a bout of plague was over. Yet, the wooden statues of the Madonna and the Angel over the wooden 17th century altar confirm the contemporary dedication to the Annunciation to the Virgin. The altar surrounds a fresco which was "restored" several times, with what seems to be the images of St. Anthony the Abbot, the Virgin with Child and St. Gratus (15th century?).
Info
Other informations about itineraries From the Park all around are available on this web site, and nearby the described monument, in English.
Information provided by GASMA (Arona's Archeological, Historical, Mineralogical Group)
For guided tours please contact Associazione ProntoGuide
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Last updated: December 9th 2003