St. Martin's church in Oleggio Castello
Itineraries From the Park all around
Minitour Oleggio Castello (2/2) 
The hill on which stands Oleggio Castello's St. Martin's church is a strategic watch point, from where Arona's Fortress and Paruzzaro's now vanished fortified camp could been seen.
Longobards conquered Italy settling in strategic points like this.
This is demonstrated by the name Oleggio Longobardorum (year 973), then changed in Ulezo Castello (1186).
The area on the hill on which the castle stood was at the opposite side from St. Martin's church, a few meters higher than the plain joining the two butts. From there the village could be watched too. Not very strong, the castle was under siege and destroyed in early 14th century. Only the name Castellazzo remains, indicating the highest street in the urban area.
St. Martin's church's altar was dedicated to St. Michael, which was typical among the Longobards. It is an elegant building, with three aisles, built on command from the village noblemen. It might have been included in the castle perimetral walls.
Many elements from the original Roman building, which was never studied (12th century?), still remain. The salient facade was lowered, but it still maintains damaged two-light windows; in the small northern aisle is a series of arches, two buttresses and part of the curve of the small apse.
Alteration works are documented in the 17th and 19th century. The interior was restructured several times. The bell tower is not in Roman style.
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