Costanza, June 10, 1025.
The Emperor and King of Germany Conrad II the Salian signs a parchment diploma granting numerous landed properties belonging to the Counts of Pombia to the Bishop of Novara Peter III. Among these, three locations in medieval Valsesia: the alp of Otro, now in the territory of Alagna, the "ponte de Varade", the ancient name of Varallo, and the fortress of Uberto near present-day Roccapietra.

With this official document of the sovereign state, in which all the powers and authorities of the territory appear, Valsesia enters into history, projected into a large international network of vassal relationships and conflicts between secular and ecclesiastical feudalism.

A thousand years later, after its drafting, the exhibition presents for the first time the parchment - now preserved in the State Archive of Novara - reconstructing as much as possible the background, the protagonists, the places, and the consequences of an exemplary episode for the entire feudal history of eastern Piedmont.

A remote story for a digital narrative, entrusted to two stations through which to interact with Valsesia of the year one thousand: no longer just a document to be observed from a distance, but a window to the past to immerse oneself in the dawn of the territory's history.

Immense spaces and small places, imperial authority and territorial lordship: in the parchment truly beats the heart of the Middle Ages.

Promoted by Comune di Varallo and Palazzo dei Musei

Curated by Paola Angeleri and Massimo Bonola

With the contribution of Comune di Varallo, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Vercelli, Lions Club Valsesia, IM LAND | Reale Mutua Borgosesia

Under the patronage of Regione Piemonte, Provincia di Vercelli, Unione Montana dei Comuni della Valsesia

Loans: State Archive of Novara, Manuscript Fund of the Civic Library of Novara

Design and multimedia experience concept: Mondo Novo

Opening Hours

From Tuesday to Sunday

10.30 am – 12.30 pm | 2.30 pm – 6.00 pm

Last entry at 5.00 pm

Tickets

Exhibition only: € 5

Exhibition + Palazzo dei Musei: € 10

Discounts and free admission at this link

Information

[email protected]

0163.51424