Nuvolera

Let's Explore Nuvolera

Hello everyone! Today we're talking about Nuvolera, a small town with a population of 4698 in the province of Brescia in Lombardy. If you like hiking, you're in the right place! Nuvolera is located between Mazzano and Nuvolento, on Provincial Road 116 that connects Brescia to Salò. The city covers a communal area and ranges in altitude from a minimum of 158 meters to a maximum of 671 meters above sea level.

Physical Geography

The city center is located south of the Giava creek valley. The landscape is characterized by the southeastern wooded slopes of Mount Cavallo. Among the fractions of Nuvolera, we can mention Camprelle, Sorzana, Molvina, and Campagna.

Exploring Nuvolera: history, geography, and culture in Lombardy.

The History of Nuvolera

Nuvolera has a very rich and interesting history. The first traces of civilization date back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the lithic tools and ceramic materials found in the cave called Buco d'Ernesto. The connection between the primitive inhabitants of this territory and the sun seems evident from the arrangement of stones in circles on the top of Mount Cavallo, known as Sercol.

Pre-Roman and Roman Ages

In the pre-Roman age, tribes of Celtic origin and then the Cenomani settled in the valley, which was an area rich in springs and protected by the hills. Later, the Romans subjugated these populations and decided to open a new route in the plain to connect the Via Aemilia Scauri. The name Camprelle derives from the legionary Campra, who received the lands of the area as a reward for battles fought in Gaul. During excavations in the 1930s, numerous Roman inscriptions dedicated to Jupiter, Mars, and the matrons were found.

The Advent of Christianity

With the fall of the Roman Empire came Christianity. Nuvolera became a diaconate of the Pieve di Nuvolento, where the word of God was dispensed, the sacraments administered, and charitable works carried out. In this era, around the 5th and 6th centuries, a small monastic community settled that led the local settlers in land reclamation works. This activity, mentioned in ancient documents, earned the territory the adjective "novus", from which Nuvolera derives. There was apparently a church dedicated to Saint Eusebius near the locality of Patuzza, but there is no trace of it anymore. The church and surrounding lands were entrusted to the San Pietro in Monte Orsino monastery of Serle at least since the 10th century.

The Medieval Period

During the medieval period, the uncultivated lands were part of the public domain and were assigned to the San Salvatore monastery, then known as Santa Giulia, of Brescia. The city served as a refuge for the wife of Charlemagne after repudiation.

Conclusions

Here is a brief overview of the history and geography of Nuvolera, this small town in Lombardy. If you have the opportunity to visit this place, you will be enchanted! You can walk on the wooded slopes of Mount Cavallo and immerse yourself in the history and culture of this locality. The story of the legionary Campra, the Roman inscriptions dedicated to Jupiter and Mars, the church of Saint Eusebius, and the monastery of San Salvatore/Santa Giulia are just some of the most interesting events that have characterized the area.

Chiara Russo
Wrote by Chiara Russo
Updated Friday, Jan 13, 2023