Crespadoro
Crespadoro: a commune surrounded by nature
Crespadoro, also known as Crespaòro or Craspòro in the Venetian language, is an Italian commune located in the province of Vicenza in Veneto. The commune has a population of about 1283 inhabitants and is situated in the Chiampo valley, at an altitude of 363 m above sea level. The name of the commune is derived from "Crespatorio", a Latin word meaning "curl" of the land.
Crespadoro is a vast but sparsely inhabited territory, composed mainly of lush forests and steep slopes. The communal territory can be divided into three zones: the valley where the capital is located, the hamlets located between 800 and 1000 m above sea level, and the highest points of the commune's peaks. Cima Marana, Telegrafo, Zevola, and Gramolon are the main peaks of the commune, which reach up to 1980 m above sea level. Mount Gramolon is the source of the main stream of the commune, the Chiampo. The commune is located on the border between the province of Verona to the west and the province of Trento to the north.
History of Crespadoro
The origin of Crespadoro dates back to the migration of German workers, who were assigned a "manus" of uncultivated land. In 1287, Bishop Bartolomeo Della Scala ceded territories in the Lessini region to populations of German origin with the obligation to pay tithes. This population over time was called "Cimbra" because they themselves called themselves "tzimbar", which meant "woodsman" in their language.
In the fourteenth century, the community of Crespadoro was subjected to the Scaliger lordship, then to the Visconti and on April 28, 1404, it submitted together with the municipality of Vicenza to the Most Serene Republic of Venice. During this period, Crespadoro was committed to controlling the borders with Trentino to avoid smuggling and in exchange, Venice did not collect taxes from the commune.
During the eight years of Austrian domination from 1798 to 1805, there were no significant events in the history of the commune. After half a century spent under the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom, in 1866, Crespadoro was annexed to Italy, like the whole of Veneto. During the First World War, the territory of Crespadoro was not directly affected despite its proximity to the sites of major battles.
Natural treasures and water sources
Crespadoro, surrounded by nature, is characterized by numerous watercourses and water sources scattered throughout the hamlets. Righello, Val Mora, Còrbiolo, and Valbianca are the main watercourses that flow into the commune's main stream, the Chiampo. The commune of Crespadoro is one of the two Vicenza municipalities that are part of the Lessinia Regional Park area.
The communal territory is rich in terms of water, and there are numerous streams that flow and feed all the fountains in the area. Water sources have always been considered an important resource for the commune, so much so that there is a legend in Crespadoro about the healing powers of one of these fountains. It is said that the Communal Fountain, located near the church, can cure any disease.
Activities and events
Crespadoro is a commune that offers numerous outdoor activities and events suitable for the whole family. During the summer, the commune organizes various events, such as the Rice Festival, the Festival of St. John the Baptist, and the Chestnut Fair. These events offer the opportunity to discover local traditions and typical products of the area.
The commune is also an excellent destination for those who love to spend time outdoors. Thanks to the numerous trails present in the area, it is possible to go hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Among the places to visit, there are the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Bridge of the Donkeys.
Conclusions
Crespadoro is an ideal destination for nature lovers and for those looking for a relaxing holiday. This commune offers tourists and visitors numerous activities and events that allow discovering the natural beauty and local traditions. Thanks to its suggestive location, its watercourses, and its trails, Crespadoro is an unmissable experience for those who want to discover the Venetian territory.
