Chiuppano
Chiuppano: a Venetian municipality in the Vicenza plain
Chiuppano is an Italian municipality located in the Veneto region in the province of Vicenza. With a population of just over 2,500 inhabitants, the municipality of Chiuppano is located at the mouth of the Val d'Astico, bordered to the north by the Astico stream, which marks the border with Caltrano, and to the east by the Bregonze hills.
Physical geography
The Val Vaccara, a right tributary of the Astico with perennial water, flows on the northern slope of the municipal territory, along with the forests of hornbeam, robinia, and chestnut, occupying almost the entire northern slope of the Bregonze and some parts of Grumo Alto. In the plain, the rural landscape has been largely replaced by houses and large sheds.
Origins of the name
The name Chiuppano derives from a "fundus Cleppianus," namely possessions dating back to the Roman period, as evidenced by archaeological finds from the period.
History
Ancient times
During the Roman era, Chiuppano was an accessible point to reach the Plateau and the Upper Astico Valley. Probably, it was equipped with wooden footbridges and constituted one of the control points of the mountainous regions. The Roman presence is attested by numerous findings.
Middle Ages
In 917, the entire territory between the left bank of the Astico and the right bank of the Brenta, including the Asiago Plateau, was donated to the bishop Sibicone of Padua by the Emperor Berengario del Friuli, with the obligation to build castles and defensive works against the incursions of the Hungarians. In this period, the small existing Roman stronghold was restored and strengthened.
Chiuppano is mentioned for the first time in a document from 975 and 983. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, it became an autonomous municipality, headed by a dean. There was probably a castle, but its memory still lives today in the toponym "the Castle."
In the fourteenth century, Chiuppano was the scene of clashes between Vicentines and Paduans, and the castle that stood on the hill was destroyed.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Chiuppano is an Italian municipality rich in history and traditions. The municipal territory of Chiuppano is characterized by breathtaking natural beauty and the presence of numerous archaeological finds representing an important cultural heritage.
