Ronchi
Ronchi Valsugana: History and Etymology
Ronchi Valsugana is a municipality of about 450 inhabitants located in the autonomous province of Trento. The name "Ronchi" derives from the ancient Celtic term "Ronk", which means "field". Over the centuries, the name has evolved into different forms, including "Ronkis", "Roncus" and "Montis Roncorum", until it became Ronchi.
The Ronchi area was originally uninhabited and dominated by wild animals and forests. However, under the influence of the Prince-Bishop of Trento and Emperor Otto IV, the Lords of Castellalto decided to valorize the area and promoted the colonization of the area by farmers and roncadori from Feltrino and Bellunese, but also from Germany, establishing the settlement of Ronchi.
Ronchi Valsugana in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, much of the territory of the current province of Trento was part of the prince-bishopric of Trento, while the Ronchi area was under the dominion of the Lords of Telve, also known as "Castellalto". It was thanks to the Lords of Castellalto and to Emperors Frederick Vanga and Otto IV that the Ronchi area was colonized and made cultivable.
Later, the Castellalto and Emperor Frederick IV of Habsburg promoted a second colonization of the mountain, this time by roncadori and Bavarian-Tyrolean miners (Canopi). Among the names of the German tenants that have come down to us are Kochach, Zurn, Gruber, Betzel, Stanghel, and Rampl.
In 1412, the Ronchi masi passed from the dominion of the da Carrara to that of the Counts of Tyrol, and the mountain continued to be used for mining and farming.
Ronchi Valsugana in the Modern and Contemporary Age
In 1569, a document from Welsperg stated that in the area of "Rundscheinperg" (the area of the Roncegno and Ronchi mountain), most of the inhabitants did not know Italian and for this reason German-speaking curators of souls were sent.
Over the centuries, Ronchi became an important commercial and agricultural center. In 1928, the town was hit by a devastating earthquake that caused many deaths and destroyed much of the town's houses. However, Ronchi quickly recovered and became a flourishing agricultural community.
Today, Ronchi Valsugana is a picturesque town that attracts tourists from all over the world for its natural beauty, history, and culture. The town has preserved much of its historical architecture, with houses and buildings dating back to the medieval and Renaissance periods.
Conclusions
In summary, Ronchi Valsugana is a municipality with a long and fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages. Founded by ancient roncadori, the Ronchi area became an important commercial and agricultural center and underwent many vicissitudes over the centuries. However, Ronchi managed to overcome all difficulties thanks to the strength and determination of its inhabitants, becoming a flourishing agricultural community and a successful tourist destination.
