Odolo
The Municipality of Odolo: a small reality among the Lombardian mountains
Odolo is a small municipality located in the province of Brescia, Lombardy. With its 1923 inhabitants, it is part of the Mountain Community of Valle Sabbia. The territory of the town is predominantly mountainous and the urban center is composed of the center of Botteghe and the ancient hamlets of Brete, Cadella, Cagnatico, Casa d'Odolo, Cereto, Cete, Colombaio, Forno, Gnavla, Vico, and Pamparane. In this article, we discover more about the physical geography and history of Odolo.
Physical Geography
Territory
Odolo is located in the area called Conca d'Oro, also known as the valley of Vrenda, crossed by the river of the same name. The town develops from the center of Botteghe, extending to the small hamlets that surround it. The territory is predominantly mountainous, with an altitude ranging from 306 to 726 meters above sea level. The overall altitude variation is 420 meters.
Seismology
Odolo belongs to seismic zone 2, which is an area with medium seismic hazard.
Climate
The municipality is located in climatic zone E, with average temperatures of 11.8°C in winter and 23.4°C in summer.
History
The origins of the toponym Odolo are uncertain, but it is likely to derive from the Germanic term "audo", which means "wealth" or "possession". The first traces of human presence in the area date back to the Roman period, as evidenced by the archaeological finds, including the stone "basis magna Oduli" and the funerary altar found in the territory of Odolo. Another remarkable find is the epitaph of Marco Ulpio Recepto, a veteran of the Roman XXX legion, preserved at the museum of Gavardo.
In the Middle Ages, Odolo depended on the Pieve di Bione, and on the hill of San Zeno, where the parish church is located, there was the ancient fortress of Santa Maria, which unfortunately was completely destroyed.
Conclusions
Odolo is a small reality nestled among the mountains of Valle Sabbia. Despite its small size, it is a municipality rich in history and fascinating archaeological finds. The beauty of the landscape and the ancient traditions make this Lombardian village an ideal place for those seeking the tranquility and beauty of unspoiled nature.
