Gianico
Gianico: a town in Val Camonica
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about a beautiful village in Lombardy, Gianico. Located in Val Camonica, province of Brescia, Gianico has about 2,130 inhabitants and is surrounded by other villages such as Darfo and Artogne. But let's learn more about this wonderful location!
Physical Geography
The territory of Gianico is bordered by two lateral streams, the Re di Gianico and the Valle Vedetta, and rests on an alluvial bottom that has given rise to a hilly structure called conoid. This also includes the two neighboring towns of Fucine and Pellalepre. In short, Gianico is in a truly privileged position, immersed in nature and far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Origin of the name
The toponym "Gianico" would derive from the Latin "dianicus", which means "towards the east". However, some say that the name may derive from the Latin god Janus. We will never know for sure which of the two theories is correct, but certainly the name Gianico adds a touch of mystery and charm to this village.
History
The history of Gianico is very interesting. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the area was feuded by the Guelf family of Brusati, but in 1248 the municipality of Brescia acquired possession of these lands. Gianico remained connected to the municipality of Darfo, but in 1788 it separated itself by feuding with the family of Leonardo fu Obertino Federici di Gorzone.
In 1470, the village was hit by a great flood, which caused the disappearance of more than a hundred inhabitants. In 1925, there was a terrible brawl that caused the death of two anti-fascists. Also interesting is the presence of some noble families such as the Brusati and the Federici, but also others such as the de Bordi, the de Cochis, and the de Cottis.
The Noble Families of Gianico
As I already mentioned, Gianico has had some noble families throughout its history. The Brusati and the Federici were among the most important, but there were also other important families such as the de Bordi, the de Cochis, and the de Cottis. These families had the curial investiture and collected the tithes on behalf of the Bishop of Brescia since the 15th century.
Starting from the 15th century, the power of the so-called "vicinìe" began to emerge, made up of the autochthonous families of the place. Thanks to the support of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, these vicinìe began to counter the power of the local nobility and imposed themselves as an expression of popular power.
Conclusions
In general, Gianico is a very fascinating village, immersed in nature, rich in history and charm. The presence of some noble families has contributed to creating a unique and suggestive atmosphere. If you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to visit it!
