Lake Orta, already a picture-perfect destination, has a history worth telling. But today, we’re not talking about landscapes and romantic sunsets. Today, we’re talking about guts, resilience, and women who refused to be overlooked. We’re talking about Nunziatina Ricciotti, the boat-woman who didn’t need GPS to master the lake, and Andreina Gemelli, the woman who saved a historic villa with sheer persistence and a lot of phone calls.
Nunziatina Ricciotti – When the lake had a queen, and it didn’t even know it
Some people talk about “calm waters,” but then there was Nunziatina Ricciotti, known as “Nunziadin,” who rowed across Lake Orta in the early 1900s as if it were her personal kingdom. While men were off repairing pots around the world, she kept everything running. Not with words, but with her oars in hand.
Every day, she rowed back and forth from Pella to Orta, ferrying people, goods, and stories—solving problems like a floating post office. Bills to pay? Medicine to collect? The latest market news? She had it all covered. The municipality of Pella, albeit a little late, eventually awarded her an honorary certificate.
But her true testament? Her final crossing at 81 years old, rowing a newlywed couple to the Island of San Giulio. Retirement? Not a chance. Nunziatina never stopped, and today, she deserves to be remembered as a living legend.
Andreina Gemelli – The woman who saved Villa Nigra (and didn’t let a Frenchman take it away)
From water to land, the setting changes, but the determination remains. Andreina Gemelli was born and raised with one unwavering goal: Villa Nigra had to remain in Miasino.
A seamstress, department head, jazz lover, and founder of the Miasino Pro Loco, Andreina was the kind of person who, once she set her mind to something, made it happen. While skeptics muttered about “how much it would cost,” she wrote letters, knocked on doors, and made sure the right people listened.
The result? The University of Turin, which had no real use for the villa, allowed her to organize events there, including the Miasino Jazz Festival.
Then came 2004: the villa was put up for auction, and a French buyer placed a deposit. It seemed like the end. But the Nigra sisters’ will had a clause: public entities had six months to step in. Andreina wasted no time. She rallied the Region, Province, and Municipality, who pooled the funds together, and in 2005, Villa Nigra became public property.
The lesson? If today Villa Nigra hosts events, concerts, and cultural gatherings, it’s because someone fought relentlessly to make it happen.
Two Women, One Lesson: Never Give Up
Nunziatina and Andreina were no ordinary women. One ruled the lake, the other moved mountains (or at least institutions). Both proved that you don’t need permission to make a difference.
So, on International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to remember them. But more importantly, let’s learn from them. Because the world needs more stories like theirs. And it’s not too late to write them.
🌿 Experience the Magic of Lake Orta! 🌿
If these stories inspired you and you’d love to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this place, treat yourself to a stay at B&B Seme di Faggio. We’re waiting for you—surrounded by nature, culture, and relaxation. Book now and discover the authentic charm of Lake Orta!
Useful Links:
- Villa Nigra
- Sources for Nunziatina Ricciotti’s story
- Sources for Andreina Gemelli’s story
- Accendiamo la memoria Photo Archive
