Erbezzo
Erbezzo: the highest municipality in the province of Verona
Erbezzo is a municipality of 763 inhabitants located in the province of Verona, in Veneto. Standing at 1,118 meters above sea level, it is the highest municipality in the province. Its geographic location makes it a place of great interest for nature lovers and outdoor activities enthusiasts.
Physical Geography
Erbezzo is located at the head of Valpantena, on the ridge between the Anguilla and Falconi valleys. Its territory is almost entirely included in the Regional Natural Park of Lessinia and extends between 700 and 1,765 meters of Castelberto. The latter town, located a few kilometers from Erbezzo, is a landmark for mountain hiking enthusiasts and offers a splendid view of the Adige Valley. The municipality borders the province of Trento to the north, Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo to the west, Bosco Chiesanuova to the east, and Grezzana to the south.
Trentino-Alto Adige is easily accessible from Erbezzo via the Passo delle Fittanze della Sega, an alpine pass at 1399 meters above sea level, about 7.5 km from Erbezzo.
Origin of the name
The name of the municipality seems to derive from a deverbal of "erbezare," meaning "to become green like grass."
History
Erbezzo was populated in the 13th century. In 1287, the bishop of Verona called Cimbri woodcutter settlers from nearby Bavaria to clear the mountainous areas of Lessinia veronese of his property. These "tzimberer" then formed larger communities, called districts, which later gave rise to the formation of the Thirteen Different Municipalities scattered throughout the territory. These municipalities enjoyed special privileges both in the 14th century under the Della Scala and later under Venice.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of the municipality were granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 2010. The flag is a yellow drape.
Monuments and places of interest
Erbezzo has a parish church built in 1720 on a pre-existing one. Inside, it is possible to admire works of art by Veronese artists, such as "Ss. Filippo e Giacomo con la Madonna" by Francesco Torbido. The patron saints of the municipality are Ss. Filippo e Giacomo.
The municipality also hosts some monumental trees listed by the State Forestry Corps, including a mountain maple and four ultracentenarian beech trees that once covered large areas of the territory.
Society
The demographic evolution of Erbezzo is interesting: in recent years, the population has experienced a slight increase, unlike many other mountain areas.
Culture
Erbezzo is also linked to the figure of Saint Mamas of Caesarea, the patron saint of milk workers, cheese, and stables. It is said that he performed the miracle of the milk, which allowed him to breastfeed an abandoned child. In Erbezzo, Mamas is highlighted in a particular mountain hut, called "Malga Vallina di Sotto," located at 1523 meters above sea level, which enjoys an extraordinary panoramic view.
Erbezzo is a location that deserves to be visited for its natural beauty and for the history that links it to the thirteen municipalities of Verona. Travelers in the area cannot fail to notice the privileged position of the municipality, which offers splendid views for those who love the mountain and nature in its purest state.
