Balangero’s territory (440 m) is situated between the Stura left bank, Monte Giovetto and Bric Forcola, this being the watershed between the Corio and Coassolo villages. From a morphological point of view, Balangero has a flat area and a very rich in mineral foothill area.
The name has not a sure origin. Some scholars think it derives from “Balantum Geruli”. Others believe it originates from “Berengario II”, Marquise of Ivrea and later King of Italy, who established here a military camp (Castrum Berengarii), mentioned in some 1151 documents. Celts at first inhabited the Balangero territory. Nevertheless, finds from a Regione Murassi’s burial, now preserved in the Turin Museum of Greek-Roman antiquities, show evidence of Roman influence. Also the commemorative stone walled in on the Parish church stairs is another proof of Roman presence.
In Roman times, Balangero was a part of Germagnano municipality that was dismantled in the Middle Age by the Longobards. The already mentioned King Berengario II of Ivrea had a castle built as military protection against Hungarian invasion. During the fourteenth century Balangero was besieged four times. The last siege was won by Amedeo VII of Savoy, “Conte Rosso” (the Red Count). During the XVIIth century, the feud passed on to the Provana of Leinì. In the next century, it became state councilor Lelio Cauda’s country house and, during the “principisti” e “madamisti” (Prince or Lady followers) Civil War, it was destroyed.
