Pezzo
Pezzo: a charming location in the province of Brescia
If you're looking for a peaceful place, surrounded by nature, and rich in history and traditions, Pezzo could be the destination for you. This hamlet in the Municipality of Ponte di Legno, located in the high Val Camonica, is an enchanted place where the mountain landscape blends with the beauty of religious architecture and naturalistic trails that offer breathtaking views.
Physical geography: territory and toponymy
Pezzo is located at 1565 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Graole, and overlooks the Frigidolfo valley. From its streets, you can admire the hamlets of Precasaglio, Zoanno and the municipality's capital. The districts that make up Pezzo are four: "Princìul", "Plùni", "Pès de là" and "Plàs". In the past, other districts existed such as "N tra li cà", "I Ulìf" and "I Vècc".
History: the massacre of Viso
On October 16, 1944, the Viso valley was the scene of one of the largest massacres of civilians committed by German soldiers during the Italian Resistance in the Valle Camonica. On that sad occasion, five civilians and a partisan were killed. The Viso Chapel, located in Pezzo, was built in memory of that tragic event.
Monuments and places of interest
Pezzo's churches are worth a visit: the Parish Church of S. Lucia, dating back to the seventeenth century, has a marble portal from Vezza and frescoes by Corbellini. The Church of Sant'Apollonio, located in Planpezzo, is one of the oldest in the Valle Camonica, dating back to the eleventh-twelfth century. The Viso Chapel, as mentioned above, is a monument commemorating the massacre of 1944. In addition to the churches, Pezzo also boasts characteristic mountain huts of the inhabitants and suggestive alleys called "Vaui". Several historic-naturalistic paths in the Stelvio National Park allow exploring the surroundings of the village.
Society: traditions and folklore
The inhabitants of Pezzo are known as "Mèzi" "Cràpi", "Bènui" and other nicknames that characterize the community. There are also scütüm referring to family households, still in use, such as "I Mési", "I Màsi" and "I Trüei". During the month of August, the Palio delle Contrade is held with tournaments of briscola, football and races, as well as the celebration of the Madonna della Neve on August 5th, and the feast of Santa Lucia.
In this article, we have talked about Pezzo, a Brescian location rich in history, monuments, and traditions. If you have the chance to visit it, we recommend getting lost in its alleys, walking along the trails, and discovering its wonders.
