Cities
Belgirate (VB)
Running across a large granite toad while walking along the lake, is almost inevitable. It pays homage to the old métier of the traveling umbrella maker, typical in this area. The odd nickname “sciatt” (toads) for the “Belgiratesi” – the people from Belgirate – originates from the jargon of this profession. During the 19th century, Belgirate, and in particular the splendid Villa Carlotta and Villa Treves, was popular with illustrious people, patriots, poets, and statesmen and is cited in many passages from literary works, beginning with Stendahl’s “Certosa di Parma” (“The Charterhouse of Parma”) up to Borsieri, Fogazzaro, and Gozzano. In fact, an international poetry prize instituted in 1982 is dedicated to Gozzano.
Info
Via Scalone Cairoli, 3 - 28832 Belgirate (Vb)
Tel.: +39.0322 7244 - Fax: + 39.0322 77751
E-mail: info@comune.belgirate.vb.it
www.comune.belgirate.vb
