Cismon del Grappa
The Municipality of Cismon del Grappa: History and Origin of the Name
Cismon del Grappa is an Italian municipality located in the province of Vicenza, in the region of Veneto. The municipality is situated on the left bank of the Brenta Canal, between San Marino (Valbrenta) and Primolano. In the past, the municipality of Cismon was an autonomous municipality with the fractions of Corlo, Fastro, and Primolano. However, since January 30, 2019, it has merged with Campolongo sul Brenta, San Nazario (Valbrenta), and Valstagna to form the current entity.
According to the linguist Dante Olivieri, the toponym Cismon could have originated from the compound of "cis" (on this side) and "mons" (mountain). However, some historians have doubts about this explanation and note that there are no ancient documents that use the term "mountain" in relation to Cismon. In any case, in 1927 the specification "del monte Grappa" (of Mount Grappa) was added to the name of the municipality.
In terms of history, Cismon represents one of the oldest locations on the Brenta Canal. The first citation dates back to 1127. It was always a border territory between Padua, Feltre, Trento, and Vicenza, and this geographical position influenced the political changes that involved these cities in the Middle Ages. In 1189, the heads of households of Cismon swore allegiance to the free municipality of Vicenza, but later the municipality passed to the da Romano family and in 1268 to the municipality of Padua.
During the Venetian period, Cismon consolidated its self-government organs, and the heads of households had the right to elect their own parish priest. In the sixteenth century, the inhabitants of Cismon clashed with Pope Julius II to maintain their elected priest.
During the War of the League of Cambrai, Cismon was involved in clashes, and the inhabitants fought with imperial armies. At the end of the conflict, the Covolo di Butistone was ceded to the County of Tyrol, becoming an enclave that separated Cismon from Primolano.
With the Treaty of Campoformido, the Republic of Venice ceased to exist, and its domains passed to the Archduchy of Austria and then to the newly established Kingdom of Italy under Napoleon's control. During this domination, the municipalities of Cismon and Primolano were established.
Self-Government of Cismon During the Venetian Period
During the Venetian period, Cismon consolidated its self-government organs. In 1429, the heads of households were granted the concession to elect their own parish priest, a right they maintained until 1957. This administrative autonomy distinguished Cismon from other municipalities on the Brenta Canal.
The War of the League of Cambrai and the Cession of Covolo di Butistone
During the War of the League of Cambrai, Cismon was involved in clashes between imperial and Venetian armies. At the end of the conflict, the Covolo di Butistone was ceded to the County of Tyrol, becoming an enclave that separated Cismon from Primolano.
The End of the Republic of Venice and the Establishment of the Municipalities of Cismon and Primolano
With the Treaty of Campoformido, the Republic of Venice ceased to exist, and its domains passed to the Archduchy of Austria and then to the newly established Kingdom of Italy during the Napoleonic period. During this phase, the municipalities of Cismon and Primolano were established.
In summary, Cismon del Grappa is an Italian municipality that has an ancient history and has been a protagonist of the political events involving the Brenta Canal. During the Venetian period, the Cismonese consolidated their self-government organs and were able to elect their own parish priest. During the War of the League of Cambrai, Cismon was involved in clashes, and the Covolo di Butistone passed to the County of Tyrol. With the end of the Republic of Venice, the municipalities of Cismon and Primolano were established.
