Donato, Piedmont Explained

Donato
Official Name:Comune di Donato
Coordinates:45.5333°N 59°W
Region:Piedmont
Province:Biella (BI)
Mayor:Desirèe Duoccio
Area Total Km2:12.07
Population Footnotes:[1]
Population Total:709
Population As Of:31 December 2021
Population Demonym:Donatesi
Elevation M:711
Postal Code:13050
Area Code:015

Donato is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Biella in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 50km (30miles) north of Turin and about 15km (09miles) west of Biella.

Donato borders the following municipalities: Andrate, Chiaverano, Graglia, Mongrando, Netro, Sala Biellese, Settimo Vittone.

History

The name, of Roman origin, testifies to the antiquity of the settlement, in a strategic position for communications between Biella, the Canavese and the Aosta Valley. Around 1150 the bishop of Vercelli, Uguccione, bought this place for his church, along with the lands of Zumaglia, Netro and Verrua. Subsequently, Donato passed to Avogadro of Cerrione, who came into conflict with the church of Vercelli, in 1434 lost this estate, which was sold by a judgment of the Count of Savoy to the bishop of Vercelli, together with the castles of Cerrione, Mongiovetto, Ponderano, Quaregna, Valdengo, Villa and Zubiena.

In 1706 the town was almost completely destroyed by French troops.

References

Notes and References

  1. All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.