Arten
Discovering the Fraction of Arten
Arten is a fraction of the Italian municipality of Fonzaso, located in the province of Belluno in Veneto. The fraction is approximately 2.5 km from the municipal capital and is inhabited by about 930 people. Its position is at an altitude of 314 m above sea level.
An Ancient History
The first traces of human settlement in the territory of Arten date back to about 2000 years ago, when the Feltrino area was populated by the autochthonous tribes of the Rhaetians and the Paleoveneti. Later, after the Romans incorporated Cisalpine Gaul, the Arten area became part of Regio X Venetia et Histria and under the sphere of influence of the Municipium of Feltre. The toponym Arten is derived from the Rhaetic or Celtic term "Art" or "Arkt", which means "bear", or from the Latin word "Arx" meaning fortress or stronghold. In the late imperial period, the inhabitants of the area built a defensive structure that would later be reused by the Byzantines during the Greco-Gothic War. In 1875, silver plates and various jewels dating back to the period of the Roman Emperor Justinian were found, testifying to the existence of the fortress.
Places of Interest
Arten also has a great number of monuments and places of interest. The church of San Gottardo is the parish church of the fraction, while the church of San Nicolò is located near the town's cemetery. The Villa Tonello-Zampiero is a historic residence with frescoes painted by the Feltrinian painter Pietro Marescalchi.
Traditions and Folklore
Arten hosts the celebration of the decennial every ten years since 1855. In this festival in honor of the Virgin Mary, the statue exhibited in the parish church of San Gottardo is lifted and carried in procession through the streets of the town. At the same time, a palio of the borough's districts is organized. The feast of San Gottardo is a religious celebration in honor of the patron saint Gottardo of Hildesheim.
Sports
As a fraction of a mountainous area, Arten offers many opportunities for outdoor sports such as hiking, climbing, and horseback riding.
Arten is a historical, beautiful, and charming place. Every year, it hosts many festivals and fairs. The beauty of its nature attracts numerous families and tourists who love outdoor sports and come to enjoy the animal and landscape beauties it offers. If you like history, art, and nature, Arten could be the ideal destination for your next holiday in Italy.
