Ronchis
Ronchis: an ancient history
Ronchis is a municipality located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, an area with a rich history and varied culture. The origins of the town date back to the 13th century, although the name Ronchis first appears in a customs pact dated August 1st, 1261. The name of the municipality comes from the Latin verb "runcare", meaning "to clear the undergrowth".
The strategic importance of Ronchis
The municipality of Ronchis was located in a strategic position, near the Tagliamento River and the commercial routes that followed the itinerary of the ancient via Annia. In fact, Ronchis had already developed to some extent in the 13th century. The toponym is indicated as a "villa", which implies an already important settlement.
Venetian domination and dependence on Latisana
After the fall of the Patriarchal State of Aquileia, Ronchis became part of the Republic of Venice. The town did not have administrative autonomy and was a vicinia linked to the fiefdom of Latisana. This situation lasted from the 15th to the 18th century. In 1781, construction of the current bell tower began.
The Napoleonic period and administrative reorganization
With the fall of the Serenissima on May 5th, 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte divided Friuli to the left of the Tagliamento into provisional districts. Ronchis belonged to the fifth, whose capital was Latisana. The following year, the town came under Austrian domination under the terms of the Treaty of Campoformio. In November 1805, the French returned and established the Passariano department, of which Ronchis was a part.
Ronchis in Lombardy-Venetia: gaining administrative autonomy
The Congress of Vienna sanctioned the cession to Austria of the former Venetian domains. In 1815, the Lombardy-Venetia Kingdom was established, of which Ronchis was a part as an "administrative municipality" and the "aggregated fraction" of Fraforeano. Considered a third-class municipality, the 1821 census reported 788 inhabitants.
The growth of the municipality
During the 19th century, Ronchis experienced exponential growth. The 1867 census reported 1547 inhabitants. During the 19th century, there was a mutation of land ownership following the abolition of communal lands. The municipality was therefore destined to take on a new face thanks to land ownership, an important factor for the economic and social progress of the territory.
Conclusions
Ronchis is a municipality steeped in history, culture, and traditions. Thanks to its geographical position and commercial activities, the territory has been able to develop and grow over the centuries. Despite its turbulent past, Ronchis is now a peaceful and picturesque place with a rich tourist offer. With its ancient architecture, the municipality is able to capture the attention of visitors and offer them the opportunity to learn about their historical roots.
