Nanto
Let's discover together: Nanto, the Municipality of the Berici Hills
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a small Italian municipality located in the province of Vicenza, in Veneto: Nanto, a place with only 3084 inhabitants! But don't be fooled by its small size, Nanto has a very ancient history and is immersed in the nature of the Berici Hills. Let's discover it together!
Physical Geography
As I told you, Nanto is located in the province of Vicenza, near the Berici Hills. It is only 4 km away from Castegnero and 5 km from Mossano. Vicenza is about 25 km away, while Padua is 40 km away. The municipal seat is located in Ponte di Nanto, a charming hamlet overlooking the State Road 247.
Origins of the name
The toponym Nanto is mentioned for the first time in a document from 1023, in which Emperor Conrad II the Salic granted Nanto to the Vicenza Church. Unfortunately, it is not known with certainty where the name comes from: there are various hypotheses, but none are founded. According to some, it could derive from Celtic terms indicating respectively "stream" or "valley", while others argue that it is a proper name of an ancient Germanic language. Some also hypothesize that the name Nanto derives from a legendary Roman city called "Nantona".
History
Nanto's origins date back to very ancient times: in the Grotto of Trene, in fact, relics have been found that date human presence back to the Paleolithic period. Here, the only paleolithic laurel blade point found in Italy so far was discovered!
In Roman times, the territory of Nanto was known for the soft amber-colored stone that was excavated here. In the Middle Ages, Nanto was at the center of the struggles between the various feudal lords of the area, including the bishops of Vicenza and the Maltraversi Counts. There was also a castle, the "Castrum de Nanto", which was destroyed during the wars between Ezzelino III da Romano and the Paduan Guelphs. Unfortunately, currently, it is not known where the castle was located.
In the first half of the thirteenth century, Nanto was the scene of the war between Ezzelino and the Paduan Guelphs, while in the fourteenth century it suffered occupations and serious damage due to the conflicts between the Veronese Scaligeri (lords of Vicenza) and the Carraresi of Padua. The territory of Nanto was subject, under the administrative aspect, to the civil Vicariate of Barbarano Vicentino.
Curiosities
Despite its small size, Nanto boasts some places of interest such as the Church of Sant'Antonio abate, the Church of San Bartolomeo apostolo, and Villa Poianella, a luxurious late nineteenth-century residence.
Conclusions
Here is a small presentation of Nanto, a municipality nestled among the Berici Hills and immersed in history and nature. If you want to discover a corner of Veneto a little off the beaten tourist track, Nanto is definitely a destination to consider!
