Rosazza (Valle Cervo) and the life of Federico Rosazza
You can reach Rosazza in the Velle Cervo by car from Biella in less than half an hour, and it is located in the upper Cervo Valley. Thanks to Federico Rosazza, it is considered the most mysterious village in Italy.
This small Piedmontese village is undoubtedly a place full of charm, art, and culture.
Its connection to esotericism and the mystical is known, linked to the figure of Federico Rosazza, a senator and Grand Master of the Biella Freemasonry.
He was famous for having built many works, in which numerous elements and symbols related to Freemasonry and occultism are found, which he shared with his great friend, architect, and painter Giuseppe Maffei.
Through the alleys of the village, numerous carved roses can be noticed, symbol of the Masonic order, five-pointed stars, and even a swastika (behind the church on the upper right).
The church, also conceived as a temple, also built on commission by Rosazza, was built on the foundations of an ancient church. The interior is richly decorated, while the ceiling is painted blue with various constellations.
The castle, desired by Federico Rosazza, also with evident references to esotericism, was completed in 1899, the year of his death.
Also noteworthy is the Town Hall, where it seems that Federico Rosazza held his Masonic meetings, the monumental cemetery reached by crossing a three-arched stone bridge.
Of particular interest is the road that connects the sanctuary of Oropa to Rosazza, built between 1889 and 1898, it was surely the most expensive work funded by Federico Rosazza.
Along its route, we encounter a unique gallery 367 meters long and entirely carved with chisels.
Before embarking on the journey, we recommend checking if it is currently passable.
The life of Federico Rosazza
Federico Rosazza Pistolet (1813 – 1899) obtained his law degree in 1835.
During his studies, he befriended various Ligurian patriots, including Giuseppe Mazzini, and joined the Young Italy movement.
During the last thirty years of the 19th century, he financed numerous public works to improve the lives of his fellow citizens and embellish Rosazza and the Cervo Valley.
He used local labor and materials, thus contributing to the economic development of the mountainous area.
His membership in Freemasonry, combined with interests in alchemy and the esoteric world, including the Order of the Templars, led him to decorate all the works he commissioned, including churches and cemeteries, with symbols related to such traditions.
Mainly works commissioned by Federico Rosazza concern his hometown.
He is responsible for the monumental cemetery, the parish church, the current Town Hall headquarters, and the neo-Gothic castle.
He also built convenient mule tracks to improve pedestrian connections between the Cervo Valley and the surrounding valleys.
However, his most important road infrastructure was the road connection between Rosazza and the sanctuaries of San Giovanni d’Andorno and Oropa through a tunnel that crosses the Colle della Colma.
Some sources claim that Rosazza had mediumistic powers and paranormal faculties, while his strong interest in spiritualism is certain.
What is Freemasonry
Freemasonry is an ancient secret brotherhood whose historical foundation dates back to the 17th century in Europe.
Characterized by rituals, symbols, and secrets reserved for its adepts, it promotes values such as brotherhood, tolerance, freedom of thought, and social progress.
Its members, known as Masons or Brothers, have profoundly influenced the history and culture of many countries.
However, Freemasonry continues to be shrouded in mystery and speculation due to its secretive nature.
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