Roana
Roana: a municipality in the province of Vicenza
Hello friends, today I will talk about a municipality located in the province of Vicenza, Roana, also called Robàan in the Cimbrian language. Roana has about 4247 inhabitants and covers the plateau of the Seven Municipalities. But what makes this municipality special is the presence of the ethnic-linguistic minority of the Cimbri, one of the last linguistic islands where the Cimbrian language is spoken.
Origins of the name
The toponym Roana has an uncertain origin and has been the subject of numerous discussions. The first time it appeared was in 983 as "Rauna". Some argue that the etymology of the name has roots in the Latin language, like the term "rubus" which means "blackberry bush", while others believe that it may be derived from "ro(v)a", a very common term in the Eastern Alps that means "gravel, landslide area". However, the suffix -"ana" suggests a predial derivation from a "Rubus" or a "Roius".
History
Roana was affected by the historical events that took place between the 11th and 13th centuries. During this period, the Ezzelini family controlled several properties in the area. After their defeat in 1260, these properties were registered and documented precisely.
During the First World War, Roana was one of the municipalities directly affected by the war events. It was from here that the cannon shot that announced Italy's entry into the war came. The front line, which followed the Assa stream, cut the municipal territory in two for over two years, with some locations under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and others under the Italian control.
Monuments and Places of Interest
But Roana is not only history, there are also fascinating places to visit here. One of these is the artificial pond of Lonaba, located in the Spilleck locality. It has become a symbol of summer and winter tourism - not only in Roana - and is a destination for weekend trips in every season. The structure was completely renovated in 2008 and is now suitable for bathing and equipped with a natural purification system. Next to the pond, in the natural forest that surrounds it, an AcroPark and an ice rink stadium called PalaRobaan have also been created.
Mount Verena hosts the remains of the eponymous fort, an impressive Italian fortress built to defend the old State border. During the Strafexpedition, the Italian army lost control of the fortress.
The Roana Bridge is a famous arched bridge built in 1906 and rebuilt after the First World War following its destruction. This bridge is an important symbol of Roana.
In conclusion, Roana is a place full of history and fascinating places to visit. If you are passionate about archeology, mountain landscapes, and nature, this is the right place for you!
