Ezio Vanoni Square is the main square in Bianzone, named after the illustrious economist and politician Ezio Vanoni, who died in 1956. Once known as Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and also “Piazza della discordia” (Square of Discord) due to disputes between the Lambertenghi and Cadringher families, the square was named after Vanoni in recognition of his contribution to the town.
The connection with Ezio Vanoni
Ezio Vanoni, born in Morbegno in 1903, was Minister of Finance and Budget in the De Gasperi government. He was responsible for financing the Bratta Road. On 10 September 1950, at the invitation of Don Cirillo, priest of Bratta, Vanoni visited Bianzone. During a meeting with Don Cirillo and the mayor Biagio De Giovanni, he promised his interest in the construction of the new road that would connect the hamlet to the village. The promise was kept, and work on the Bratta road began two years later, in 1952.
Features of the square
In the centre of the square is a pretty octagonal granite fountain, built in 1911, with two mouths pouring water.
On the west side stands the town hall, whose façade displays a plaque in memory of those who died in the war. The south side houses the Mevio house, formerly the Belvedere Hotel, which now houses the post office and bank. Finally, on the north side, the new municipal pharmacy was opened in 2006, where the Cooperative's first shop once stood.