Rubano
Rubano: History and Characteristics of the Veneto Municipality
Rubano is an Italian municipality located in the province of Padua, in the Veneto region. With its 16,631 inhabitants, it is home to three villages: Bosco di Rubano, Sarmeola, and Villaguattera. Rubano is situated in the Veneto-Friuli Plain and the region is completely flat. The municipality is crossed by minor waterways, the most important of which is the Brentella canal that runs along the eastern border with the city of Padua. The Brenta and Bacchiglione rivers are also present, respectively to the north and south of the Rubano area.
Physical Geography
Territory
The Rubano territory extends through the Veneto-Friuli Plain and is completely flat. The municipality is crossed by minor waterways, the most important of which is the Brentella canal that runs along the eastern border with the city of Padua. The Brenta and Bacchiglione rivers are also present, respectively to the north and south of the Rubano area.
Climate
Rubano has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C in January to 24°C in July.
Origins of the Name
The toponym Rubano derives from the Latin term "Rubianus", a territory of "Rubius" that is believed to have been a legionnaire or an important Roman official who was assigned land in the area of present-day Rubano.
History
Roman and Early Medieval Era
In prehistoric times, the Rubano area was crossed by the Brenta River, which flowed with numerous bends, traces of which can still be seen today in the course of some internal streets, ditches, and land parcels. Rubano is, in fact, located within a strip of canals called 'Mestrino-Rubano' dating back to between the 6th and 4th millennium BCE, then abandoned by the Brenta River for a path similar to that of the current Bacchiglione River during the Bronze Age.
In Roman times, the territory was crossed by the Roman "via Gallica" between Padua and Vicenza along the current route of the Strada statale 11 Padana Superiore. Rubano is said to be located at the fifth mile from Padua. The nearby town of Mestrino would be at the seventh mile, while the current district of Chiesanuova could have originated around the second mile.
The origin of the mile counting corresponds to the intersection between the current Ponte Molino and via Savonarola in Padua, at the Roman gate where the "Cardine (Roman history)" of the city ended to the north and from where also the roads to Asolo and Feltre (''via Aurilia''), to Valsugana and Trento (current Strada statale 47 della Valsugana), and to Marostica and the Asiago plateau (the current Padua - Villafranca Padovana - Piazzola sul Brenta - Carmignano - Marostica route) originated.
The Rubano area was subject to flooding due to seasonal floods of nearby rivers. The relative proximity between the Medoacus course and the via Gallica may explain the presence in the Middle Ages of a second important communication route that runs along the southern edge of the Rubano region: the Pelosa road, which started from Padua and proceeded with a straight path (of which some separate stretches remain today) until Montegalda, before ending again in Vicenza.
Modern and Contemporary Era
During the Renaissance period, Rubano and its villages were territories of the Venetian noble families Contarini and Corner. In 1509, the Battle of Agnadello took place there between the French army and the Cambrai League. In 1797, after the signing of the Treaty of Campoformio, French troops entered the region and it passed under Austrian rule. In 1866, with the annexation of the Veneto region to the Kingdom of Italy, Rubano became part of the new state.
Economy
Rubano's economy is mainly based on agriculture, but in recent decades, industry has also developed, thanks to the presence of various manufacturing companies in the area.
Places of Interest
Rubano offers several places of tourist interest, including Villa Contarini, a large seventeenth-century residence that hosts cultural events and art exhibitions; the Church of San Pantaleone Martyr, with its baroque altar and single-cell bell tower, whose construction dates back to the seventeenth century; and the Church of Santa Margherita, built in 1485.
Rubano is also known for its cuisine, from excellent wine to fine Venetian typical products. Within the municipality, there are several taverns and restaurants where visitors can taste the local specialties.
Conclusions
Rubano is a Veneto municipality rich in history, natural and artistic beauty. The flat terrain and the presence of minor waterways make this municipality ideal for open-air walks and hikes. The presence of manufacturing companies also makes Rubano an important economic center. With its cuisine and architectural beauty, Rubano is a perfect place for a visit in the heart of Veneto.
