Bolzano Vicentino
Discovering the history of Bolzano Vicentino
If you're in search of a charming small town immersed in the beauty of Veneto, Bolzano Vicentino might be the perfect choice for you. The city is located in the province of Vicenza and is home to approximately 6,384 people.
Origins of the name
Like many other Italian cities, the name Bolzano Vicentino has Latin roots. The name comes from the Latin noble "Baudius" or "Bautius" with the suffix "ânus". Over the centuries, the name of the town has been modified, from "Bauzano" in 1284 to "Bulzano" in 1324 and finally to its current form, "Bolzano". The particular pronunciation of "z" (or the Latin diphthong "ti") has led to uncertainties about its origin as it could have been either voiced or voiceless.
The German origin of the name stems from the long phase of Germanization in the Alto Vicentino, from the Longobard invasions to the late Middle Ages. During this time, the territory was subject to colonization by farmers from Bavaria and Swabia. For this reason, the German form of the name is "Bozen".
Medieval history
The origin of the city is linked to the actions of the Benedictine monks of the Basilica dei Santi Felice e Fortunato in Vicenza. In 1134, the community of monks in Lisiera was invested by the abbot of San Felice with a considerable extension of lands located between Bertesina and Monticello Conte Otto.
Bolzano was also the seat of an ancient parish, whose dedication to Santa Maria suggests that it existed since the 10th century. In 1297, it had under its jurisdiction the chapels of San Giorgio in Quinto Vicentino, Santa Lucia in Lisiera, San Floriano in Vigardolo, and the churches of Valproto, Lanzè and Pojanella.
Modern era
During the Scaligeri dominion, Bolzano was subject to the civil vicariate of Camisano. The territory was several times devastated during this century by the wars between the Scaligeri and the Padovani.
In 1404, Bolzano became part of the Domini di Terraferma of the Serenissima, together with Vicenza and the entire Vicenza area. It remained under Venetian domination until its transfer to Austria in 1798.
Ospedaletto and Lisiera
Ospedaletto, a suburb of Bolzano Vicentino, takes its name from the hospital dedicated to San Bartolomeo, which the Benedictines created around the 10th and 11th centuries. According to some sources, the name of Lisiera comes from the Latin word "lucus," which means forest.
Conclusions
Bolzano Vicentino is a fantastic place to visit if you're interested in Venetian history and culture. The city developed thanks to the action of the Benedictine monks and has a long and interesting history dating back to the Middle Ages. In addition to the city, it's worth visiting the suburbs of Ospedaletto and Lisiera. Come discover the beauty of Veneto and the province of Vicenza!
