Montecchio Maggiore
Montecchio Maggiore: a small town in the heart of Veneto
Montecchio Maggiore, also known as Montécio in Venetian dialect, is a municipality in the province of Vicenza, located in the Veneto region. With a population of about 23,181 inhabitants, the city takes its name from the Latin "monticulus", which means "little mountain". The suffix "Maggiore" was added to distinguish it from Montecchio, another city with the same name in the same province.
Physical Geography
Montecchio Maggiore is located west of Vicenza and extends between the valleys of Chiampo and Agno. The municipal territory is flat but has some hilly areas, such as the one where Romeo and Juliet Castles and the hamlets of Santissima Trinità, Sant'Urbano and Alte Ceccato are located in Selva. The municipality borders Castelgomberto, Trissino, Arzignano, Montorso Vicentino, Zermeghedo, Montebello Vicentino, Brendola, Altavilla Vicentina and Sovizzo.
History
Prehistory
Montecchio Maggiore seems to have been inhabited since the Neolithic and Bronze Age, as evidenced by the discovery of artifacts, small flints, terracottas and human burials in the hilly areas of the town.
Roman Period
An ancient section of the Via Postumia passed through the current territory of Montecchio Maggiore, which facilitated contacts between the Venetian population and the Romans, especially to defend themselves from Gallic raids. Montecchio Maggiore, in that period, was a Roman "pagus", that is, a rural district under the control of the municipal authorities of Vicenza. There are numerous archaeological testimonies of the Roman period in the territory of Montecchio Maggiore, such as the Stelae of Santa Maria and San Vitale's Parish, dating back to the 1st or 2nd century AD, and the Milestones, which indicated the distance from Rome or the nearest city.
Montecchio Maggiore today
Today Montecchio Maggiore is a tranquil and hospitable town, renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural richness.
Tourism
Among the tourist attractions of Montecchio Maggiore are the Castles of Romeo and Juliet, whose beauty and majesty inspired William Shakespeare in writing his famous theatrical play "Romeo and Juliet". The Bellaguardia Castle, in particular, dominates the surrounding countryside and is an ideal place to admire the Veneto landscape.
Culture
Montecchio Maggiore is home to the War Museum, an exciting tour of the conflicts of the 20th century. There are also many churches and chapels in the historical center of the city, such as the Church of San Francesco and the Church of the Madonna del Rosario.
Economy
The economy of Montecchio Maggiore is mainly based on agriculture, textile production, and machinery manufacturing. The city also hosts important international companies, such as Costa Cruises.
Infrastructure
Montecchio Maggiore is well connected to the nearby city of Vicenza through the road and railway network. The Montecchio A4 motorway exit is located in the municipality, facilitating links with the major cities of Veneto, such as Padua, Verona, and Venice.
Conclusions
Montecchio Maggiore is a charming town in Veneto, with a long and important history and many tourist attractions. Its scenic beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities make it an ideal place for both tourists and those who want to live and work in a tranquil town.
