Buttapietra
Welcome to Buttapietra, a enchanted place fed by springs
Welcome to Buttapietra, a delightful town in Veneto with 6,958 inhabitants located just 11 kilometers south of Verona. We are pleased to introduce you to this corner of paradise that extends between the Menago River, the Piganzo River, and the Tartaro-Canalebianco River. These rivers give rise to a system of springs, also called "sortie" locally, which supply a network of canals built since the fifteenth century. This system of canals was used to cultivate rice fields and provide energy to water mills. This massive presence of surface flowing water creates a local microclimate controlling extreme temperatures, reducing summer highs and raising winter lows.
Discovering the nature and beauties of Buttapietra
Buttapietra boasts a favorable geographical position and the presence of incredible springs that make the landscape unique. Among these springs is the famous "Fontanon dell'Acqua Chiara", located at the alpine lodge on the road between Buttapietra and Raldon. This spring is considered one of the most beautiful in the province of Verona. Don't miss the opportunity to admire this natural spectacle!
Buttapietra is crossed by the State Road 12 of Abetone and Brennero and by the Verona-Bologna railway. In addition to the main fractions of Marchesino and Bovo, the localities of Magnano, Torre, Trinità, San Fermo, Tripoli, Zera, Settimo di Gallese, Piombazzo, and Brognoligo are known. Each place has its own history and peculiarities.
The history of Buttapietra
The territory of Buttapietra dates back to prehistoric times. From 1800 BC to 1100 BC, traces of prehistoric stations of the Bronze Age were found. During the Roman period, coins, bronze and iron utensils, glasses, and terracottas were discovered. The fraction of Settimo takes its name from the fact that it is located at the seventh mile of the Claudia Augusta road ("septimo ab urbe lapide"), which crossed the current municipal territory.
The eleventh century was a period of strong growth for Buttapietra, passing from a predominantly wild area inhabited by shepherds to cultivated land. It became a possession of the Abbey of San Zeno in Verona. In the thirteenth century, under the domination of the Scaligeri, the various centers of population obtained the status of rural commune and later became part of the vicariate of "Cà di Campagna". In 1416, the communes of the vicariate freed themselves from feudal slavery by acquiring civil jurisdiction over the territory.
Agriculture in Buttapietra
The beginning of Buttapietra's current history dates back to when the territory was transformed from silvano to cultivated. Unlike the neighboring areas, there was no need to reclaim the land, but only to build the network of canals exploiting the springs. This transformation was led by the "Campagna" nobles, who obtained from the Scaligeri a fund called "Orlando", comprising the northern part of the municipality and the localities south of the municipality of Verona. A document also mentions "pieces of wooded, arable, and meadow land with houses covered and laden with packsaddles in the contrà of Fragazzole and surroundings." This story tells us a lot about the roots of agriculture in Buttapietra and its importance for the community.
Conclusions
In summary, Buttapietra is a fascinating town with a rich history, incredible natural beauty, and a great agricultural tradition. We are confident that you will not be disappointed by the presence of its springs, the beauties of its territory, and its welcoming atmosphere. Come visit us, we will be happy to welcome you!
