Nogara
Nogara: a gem of the Bassa veronese
Nogara, or "Nogàra" in Venetian dialect, is a small Italian municipality in the province of Verona, located in the Veneto region. With a population of approximately 8,331 inhabitants, Nogara is situated on flat terrain, crossed by the Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante river, and is part of the Bassa veronese.
Physical geography
Nogara is located south of the city of Verona, about 33 km away, and 23 km from Mantua. Thanks to its strategic location, the municipality of Nogara is an important hub for road traffic and rail transport that connects Veneto with various regions in northern Italy.
History
The origins of the name Nogara can be traced back to the word "nosara", which in Venetian means "walnut tree," a clear indication of the strong presence of these trees in the region centuries ago. The territory where Nogara stands today was crossed by a Roman road that connected Bologna to Verona.
Few centers are crossroads of national roads and railway lines like Nogara. The geographical importance of Nogara has always been strong, as it is part of the plain that lies south of the Po River, a border area between different Italian regions. In the Middle Ages, it was a border area between two states, Mantua and Verona, and in the modern age, it was a source of conflict between the House of Austria and Venice.
The Castle of Nogara
Nogara boasts a long tradition of struggles and conflicts between monarchies and local communities. In the 9th century, King Berengar authorized the construction of the castle of Nogara to protect it from the invasions of the Hungarians. Currently, the castle is incorporated into the Palazzo Marogna, designed by the Italian architect Michele Sanmicheli.
On a letter of Pope Innocent II, addressed to the people of Nogara, there is an invitation to pay the monks of Nonantola, who had appropriated all the property of the Nogara people. In the Middle Ages, Nogara was an important stronghold on the left bank of the Po River and was attacked by Henry IV of Franconia.
The Church of San Silvestro
The Church of San Silvestro is one of the symbols of Nogara. The church was built near the Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante River, an area that was important for the defense of the territory against enemies. We are in the period of the invasion of the Hungarians, and therefore, the monks made sure that the church and the fortress were protected from enemy raids.
Conclusions
The municipality of Nogara is a gem of the Bassa veronese. Thanks to its geographical location, Nogara is an ideal destination for a tourist trip or a stopover during a car or train journey. The history of Nogara shows us the strength and determination of local inhabitants in defending their territory and culture. Visit Nogara and discover the charm of a hidden gem in Veneto!
