Soverzene
A mountainous town
Soverzene, a small town with only 367 inhabitants, is located in the province of Belluno in Veneto. The municipal territory consists mainly of the Belluno Prealps and the left bank of the Piave River. The main town and the industrial area are located on a raised plateau above the river bed. The Val Gallina, with its namesake lake, completes the municipal territory and represents a very deep and steep terrain. The highest point reaches 2,210 meters, while the lowest is at 383 meters.
Origin of the name
The name Soèrden may come from the root "so-" which means "under" and the personal name *Vergĭna. This name has never been documented, but it could be related to the Etruscan "Verginna".
A history of isolation
First mentioned in 1172, the town lived in isolation for centuries, only resolved with the construction of the bridge over the Piave River in 1929.
Places of worship and religious festivals
The Church of San Lorenzo, the main church in the town, dates back to perhaps the 15th century and has undergone numerous restorations, including total reconstruction in the mid-18th century and re-consecration in 1864. Among the works preserved inside are paintings by Girolamo Moech and two altarpieces by Antonio Bettio. The bell tower has a characteristic onion-shaped roof. The church was only granted parish status in 1975.
In the locality of "La Grotta," near the industrial area, there is a church with a reproduction of the Lourdes grotto built at the beginning of the 20th century. The festival of the Madonna, which also includes the celebration of Mass at the monument, takes place here every year.
The festival of San Lorenzo, which takes place around August 10th, is the most important event in the town.
Hiking and nature
The mountainous terrain offers many opportunities for challenging hikes. The trails of the Italian Alpine Club depart from the surroundings of Lake Val Gallina and wind through wild and rugged terrain. The road to reach the lake is winding and at times exposed, so it is recommended to travel it with caution.
In conclusion, Soverzene can be an interesting place for those who love mountain hikes and traditional religious festivals. Despite its small size, the town offers many cultural and naturalistic insights to discover.
