He was born at Fontaneto d'Agogna, near Novara, Piedmont, of humble parents and is said to have trained as a carpenter, playing violin as a hobby.
Castello d'Agogna borders the following municipalities: Ceretto Lomellina, Mortara, Olevano di Lomellina, Sant'Angelo Lomellina, Zeme.
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In the Middle Ages the village belonged to the abbey of Santa Croce di Mortara, and in 1387 it became a fief of the lords of Robbio.
Mezzomerico borders the following municipalities: Agrate Conturbia, Divignano, Marano Ticino, Oleggio, Suno, and Vaprio d'Agogna.