Nove
Discovering Nove: the town of artistic ceramics
Hello everyone! Today I'm going to talk about Nove, a delightful Italian municipality in the province of Vicenza, known above all for its production of artistic ceramics. Let's discover some interesting aspects of this place together!
Physical geography
The territory of Nove is bounded by the Brenta River, which has influenced its origins and economic life. The town is in fact located on the alluvial cone of the river, and was formed by deposits of stones, flooding, and the river's own diversion. The square of Nove and the eastern part of the town were once the bottom and the wide bed of the Brenta.
The small Longhella stream also flows into the area of Nove, which originates near Marostica and receives the waters of the other Silan stream.
Name origins
The name Nove derives from the "terrae novae" that were obtained from the reclamation of the vast expanse of uncultivated land once present in the area.
History
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Nove was part of the "contracta Marostice," and the families that settled here received new lands as they were formed and consolidated. By the 14th century, some families were already living here, such as the Tomasoni family, who owned cultivated land and used the water of the Brenta for proto-industrial activities.
Around the middle of the 14th century, under the Scaligeri signoria, the territory was administratively subjected to the Vicariato of Marostica, where it remained, even under Venetian domination, until the end of the 18th century.
In 1443, Nove gained independence from Marostica to organize religious life. In 1453, the inhabitants began the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, and Nove became an autonomous parish on December 4, 1453.
Modern age
In the following years, Nove became an increasingly active and prosperous center, and in 1602 it requested separation from Marostica, although this experience did not last long and the two communities reunited in 1632. In the following century, due to the disorders that broke out in Marostica, Nove requested and definitively obtained administrative autonomy, which has remained until today.
Contemporary age
An important historical event for Nove is the battle of November 6, 1796, called the "Battle of Nove," in which the French troops of the Armée d'Italie, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, clashed with the Austrian troops during the first Italian campaign.
Artistic ceramics
Now let's come to the main reason that makes Nove famous: the production of artistic ceramics. The ceramic tradition in Nove dates back at least to the 15th century, when terracotta dishes began to be produced. Over time, production has evolved, to become what we know today.
Today, Nove is among the main centers of artistic ceramic production in Italy and the world. Many local companies are dedicated to the production of pottery, sculptures, tiles, and ceramic art objects, which are exported worldwide.
Among the techniques used are classic ceramic processing, such as the lathe for shaping the vases, wood-fired baking, and decoration with enamels and colors.
But Nove's artistic ceramics are characterized above all by the high quality of the workmanship and the materials used, which guarantee products that are both durable and of great beauty. In addition, many companies also offer guided tours of their laboratories, where visitors can admire the work of artisans up close and buy products directly from the factory.
Art and culture
In addition to ceramics, Nove also offers other attractions from an artistic and cultural point of view. These include the church of Saint Peter the Apostle, built in the 15th century, the Castle of Nove, built around 1400 and restored later, and the Castelliera Tower of Pievebelvicino, a medieval defensive tower located on the hill in front of Nove.
Moreover, the territory of Nove also offers many opportunities for nature lovers, with hiking trails in the Regional Park of the Small Dolomites, the suggestive Giro del Brenta, and the possibility of practicing water sports on the river.
Conclusions
In short, Nove is a town rich in history and artistic and natural beauty, but above all it is the ideal place to discover the production of artistic ceramics, an ancient and still living tradition that has made this municipality famous worldwide. If you are looking for a quiet and fascinating place to spend a few days relaxing, Nove is definitely a not-to-be-missed choice!
