La hamlet Piazzeda, located about 800 metres above sea level above Bianzone, is a small hamlet that was once densely inhabited and has now been partially restored. Its white bell tower of the Church of Saints Joachim and Anne stands out among the conifers, testifying to the ancient presence of a settlement now surrounded by forest.
History and village life
Upstream from the church is the old primary school, a beautiful stone building, built in 1934 by the “frazionisti” and now owned by the municipality. The hamlet has largely maintained its identity, with many houses retaining their old structure thanks to conservation work.
Albino Polinelli, a former inhabitant, provided important information on Piazzeda. In the 1940s-45s, more than 200 people lived there permanently, divided into around 40 families with recurring surnames such as Gosatti, Polinelli, Anselmi and Graziani. At that time, Piazzeda was surrounded by fields of rye, buckwheat and potatoes, essential for survival. Community ovens were widespread for bread-making, and the “Valbuzzi” milled wheat in the village, keeping part of the flour as compensation.
L’electricity arrived in Piazzeda in 1945, replacing oil lamps. In 1946, with the arrival of three-phase and the upgrading of the power line, 45 members joined forces to build a own mill, an arduous undertaking but of great value to the community, which enabled them to grind their own grain.
Depopulation and renaissance
At the end of the 1950s, many families left Piazzeda in search of better opportunities, emigrating to Varese, France, Australia or simply moving to the country. In the mid-1960s Piazzeda became almost completely depopulated and was abandoned for a few years.
Subsequently, through the construction of a driveway which connected the hamlet to the village, people began to return more frequently and many houses were renovated. The realisation of this road was the result of the tenacity of the “Piazzedaschi”, who, despite the difficulties, agreed to grant passage on their property, thus allowing the hamlet to be connected by car.
Today, in summer, the hamlet comes back to life. In the second half of July, the Festival of St Anne continues to be celebrated, attracting numerous people who attend the liturgical celebration in the small church and spend the rest of the day in the square of the old school, enjoying local dishes.
