Casalbeltrame, is a municipality in the province of Novara located in the Lame del Sesia Natural Park on the border with the municipality of Biandrate, a that apart its historic beauties place is famous for the production of a legendary rice, a cereal that in this area of Eastern Piedmont has occupied a fundamental role in the local economy since many centuries ago thanks to a fertile soil suitable for cultivation as well as a long tradition linked to this activity.
Casalbeltrame also boasts historical monuments of great interest, starting with the beautiful Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta which in spite of its various architectural reforms that took place between the 18th and 19th centuries and for today's appearance, could be deceiving, but erected in medieval times.
The visible confirmation is the imposing bell tower erected on a quadrangular plan in pure Romanesque style as well as the walls.
In the attic you can admire frescoes made in the 15th century depicting cycles of the life of Jesus Christ and then visit a section of this complex or the crypt dedicated to the patron saint of Casalbeltrame San Novello, the baroque ossuary and you can see a small cave dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Afterwards you can visit to the very interesting Historical Ethnographic Museum of the Agricultural Tool , a tangible symbol of the rural soul of this municipality in the Novara area, an exhibition that narrates in a thematic path all the historical phases of the community that has always been linked to agricultural activities.
Once inside you can admire many of the tools used two centuries ago such as ploughs, hoes and scythes among others.
Then you can linger in front of the Palazzo Comunale, a nineteenth-century building that boasts a splendid tympanum dominating a large façade with refined arcades and then admire the Palazzo Bergamaschi opposite dating back to the same period.
You can continue then with the Villa Braicorens Saivoroux, an imposing noble residence that was one of the residences of the Gautieri family containing today in its rooms a center dedicated to the art of sculpture.
Continuation in the hamlet of Fisrengo with another historical attraction that is the Religious Complex of Sant' Apollinare, a medieval building erected in 1174 with a high bell tower that preserves many architectural details of the original structure which is a former 13th century templar site granted on loan by the Diocese of Novara in 1983.
Casalbeltrame has always been famous in its history for rice and the presence of vast mondine in its territorial terms, the rice fields confirm this in this municipality famous for the production of the well-known Venere rice, Venere refers to Venus, the goddess of love and to the aphrodisiac properties according narrations claimed for the rice. and other types including the renowned Black Rice.
For all that I recommend visiting a company dedicated to this activity to learn more about this cereal that since ancient times has found production traditions and development of great importance in this area of Piedmont.
The famous Venere Rice of grain and black pericapo is highly appreciated for its consistency, intense aroma, properties, a cereal that contains high percentages of iron and silicon and cooking times between 40 and 45 minutes.
This type of rice is excellent with seafood, shrimps, zucchini, asparagus, perfect for classic saffron risottos, widely used by locals since ancient times for the preparation of one of the emblematic specialties of Novara gastronomy, namely the infamous Risotto with Pumpkin and Cream.
Another protagonist of the cultivation is the famous Artemide Gran Riserva created by crossing the previous one with an Indica rice .
This type has a rather elongated grain, has the same properties of minerals contained as Venus with considerable presence of antioxidants, with a pleasant aroma, perfect if cooked with vegetables, mushrooms, meat or fish, sublime with cheeses with cooking times that are around 35 minutes.
A further type is the famous Carnaroli Gran Riserva rice identifiable by its typical white grain, well known for its rapid cooking times that are around 13 and 14 minutes, a cereal already famous for this characteristic in ancient times.
Carnaroli Gran Riserva is subject to a process called "l'Agin", that is, aged about a year from raw and if meticulously preserved increases its original volume.
These excellent properties allow a lower dispersion of minerals and starch during cooking with consequent optimal final results of the prepared dish.
Time for your lunch I recommend starting with an appetizer based on Cooked Ham, Raw Salami, Rocket and pickles, first courses to choose between Smoked Venus Rice or Ravioli with Walnut Sauce, options among the second courses Piedmontese Boiled in Green Sauce or Beef Fillet both combined with Radicchio Salad, Cherry tomatoes and Parmesan flakes.
A visit to Casalbeltrame is recommended to all those who love art, history, exquisite gastronomy and discover the legendary rice of this area that has conquered the world with its excellent qualities.
Link : https://www.comune.casalbeltrame.no.it/it-it/home
Where to Stay | Recommended Accommodation in the area
La Bolgora Guest House
Residence Campagnole
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