Brentino Belluno
Welcome to Brentino Belluno: a municipality with an ancient and rural past
Hello everyone, today I want to talk about Brentino Belluno, a municipality in Veneto that retains the ancient charm of its origins. With its three hamlets, Brentino, Belluno Veronese, and Preabocco, and its 1,368 inhabitants as of December 31, 2022, Brentino Belluno will impress you with its lush nature and mild climate.
Let's discover the physical geography of the municipality
Located 37 km northwest of Verona, Brentino Belluno covers an area of approximately 26 km² and has an average altitude of 137 m above sea level, although the altitude reaches 650 m above sea level near the hamlet of Pian di Festa. The municipality extends in the southern part of Vallagarina, from the western bank of the Adige River to Mount Baldo. It borders Dolcè to the east and Rivoli Veronese to the south, while Caprino Veronese and Ferrara di Monte Baldo are located to the west, separated by Mount Corna. It borders the autonomous province of Trento, Avio municipality, to the north.
Brentino Belluno is crossed by two parallel roads, one for cars and one for trains, that descend from Trentino to Verona. The crossing of the Adige River is guaranteed by a bridge that connects the hamlet of Rivalta to the municipality of Dolcè.
Origins of the name
The name Brentino Belluno is related to the hamlets that make it up. Brentino may derive from the Germanic words "brenta" or "brento," meaning "tank" or "brunn" or "brunnen," meaning "fountain" or "flowing water," indicating the presence of springs or basin-shaped bodies of water. Belluno Veronese, on the other hand, may share the origin of the name with the homonymous municipality in the province of Belluno, given the presence of ancient attestations such as "Βελοῦνον" or "Βελουνῶν." However, other hypotheses see a Celtic origin of the name, such as an ancient compound "Bel(o)-dunum."
The history of the municipality
The territory of the municipality of Brentino Belluno has been inhabited since prehistoric times and had a strategic position for the transit between Valpadana and Germany. Important archaeological finds have been discovered in the hamlets of the municipality since the Middle Paleolithic period.
During Roman times, Brentino Belluno was crossed by the Via Claudia Augusta, which needed to jump the lock of Ceraino to avoid the Adige Valley. During the Middle Ages, the municipality was subject to the Lordship of Castles, then passed to the Visconti, the Bonacolsi, and the Gonzaga. In the 16th century, during the War of the League of Cambrai, the municipality was invaded by French troops.
What to see in Brentino Belluno today
Today, Brentino Belluno is a municipality with a strong rural vocation that has been able to preserve its historical and artistic heritage. In particular, in the hamlet of Belluno Veronese, it is possible to observe the church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 17th century on a previous medieval chapel. Also in Belluno Veronese, there is Palazzo Maglio, a Baroque building from the 18th century that houses a museum of ancient arts and crafts.
In Rivalta, instead, you can find the church of San Martino Vescovo, which dates back to the 18th century and is enriched with frescoes and Baroque altars. Finally, Preabocco is known for the presence of a small church dedicated to San Rocco, where you can admire a fresco by Giovanni Francesco Caroto.
Brentino Belluno: a place where nature reigns supreme
Brentino Belluno is also a municipality where nature reigns supreme and offers visitors breathtaking views. For example, Mount Baldo, which overlooks the municipality, is an ideal place for hiking and excursions. From the peaks of Mount Baldo, you can admire one of the best views in Veneto.
There are also plenty of opportunities to taste the local cuisine, rich in ancient traditions. The municipality is known for its wines, such as the Valdadige DOC, and the typical cuisine of the area, with dishes such as risi e bisi, pasticcio di maccheroni, and pastissada de caval.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Brentino Belluno is a municipality that will surprise you with its natural beauty and ancient history. If you are looking for a place to rediscover the nostalgia of country life and inner peace, Brentino Belluno is definitely the place for you. Come and discover this gem of Veneto and let yourself be conquered by its uniqueness.
