Martellago
Martellago: a Venetian town rich in history and culture
Introduction to Martellago
Martellago is a municipality in the metropolitan city of Venice, located on the outskirts of Mestre. With a population of about 21,040 inhabitants, it is part of the Miranese district and borders on other municipalities such as Mirano, Spinea, Salzano, Scorzè, Noale, and Santa Maria di Sala. The territory of Martellago is divided into different areas and belongs to the ULSS 3 Serenissima, the Mirano school district, and the Miranese electoral district.
Physical geography
Martellago covers an area of about 16.5 km² and is characterized by the presence of the Dese river that runs through the town, offering a charming natural spectacle. The area is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters with frequent rains.
Origins of the name
The origin of the name of the town is not entirely clear, and there are several theories about it. Some argue that the name derives from "Martis lacus," meaning "Mars' lake," referring to a battle fought in the swamps that occupied the area. Others believe that the name derives from the Marzia family, and that Martellago is a corruption of "Martii pagus." Another theory suggests that the name derives from the root "Mad," which indicates swampy places, as demonstrated by the names of other localities in the area.
History of Martellago
Martellago has a very ancient history, dating back to the Roman era. During this era, the area was part of the "agro Altinate" and was inhabited by the Veneti. Some archaeological finds testify to the presence of coins, a medal of the emperor Antoninus Pius, a funeral lamp, and a circular well dating back to the 2nd century AD.
Following the barbarian invasions, the area was abandoned, but the village was rebuilt around the parish church, the "plebs Sancti Stephani de Martellago." The first mention of this village dates back to the apostolic bull of Pope Eugene III in May 1152 and was addressed to Boniface, bishop of Treviso. In the Middle Ages, the area was very important from a commercial point of view, thanks to the presence of the Castellana road, one of the major commercial routes between Venice and the hinterland.
Martellago today
Today, Martellago is a locality that boasts a strong focus on local culture and tradition. There are numerous cultural initiatives that come to life in the area, such as the Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene Exhibition or the Santa Caterina Fair in October. But Martellago is also a town that stands out for its gastronomic products such as the "red radicchio of Treviso," "busecca," and "fegato alla veneziana."
Places of interest
Among the places of interest in Martellago, there is undoubtedly the Church of San Martino Vescovo, dating back to 1100, which houses works of art of remarkable historical and religious value. Furthermore, one cannot miss visiting Villa Condulmer, an imposing villa set in a large secular park, which was the summer residence of the Venetian aristocracy and today hosts luxury events and weddings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Martellago is a unique locality that offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in local history and culture. Thanks to its centrality, it also lends itself well as a starting point for visiting other localities in the area, such as Venice or Treviso. In every season of the year, Martellago welcomes visitors with its natural beauty, gastronomy, and history.
