Velo d'Astico
Welcome to Velo d'Astico!
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Velo d'Astico, a small Italian municipality with about 2242 inhabitants located in the province of Vicenza, in the Veneto region.
Exploring the territory
Velo is located within the wide basin of mountains between Monte Summano, Monte Novegno, Monte Priaforà, Monte Cimone di Tonezza, Monte Cengio, and Paù.
The village stretches from the right bank of Astico and Posina to the Summano, Novegno, and Priaforà crests. The mountain slopes are carved by valleys and small valleys, sometimes wooded, sometimes bare.
The territory is characterized by a cool climate in the summer and a harsh one in the winter, conditioned by the cold air currents coming from the throat of Valdastico and the position of the mountain sides.
The mountains are covered with spruces and beeches at unusually low altitudes, due to the almost constant humidity present in the air.
The origin of the name
Despite its name, the meaning of Velo is not entirely clear. According to some authors, it may derive from the Roman toponym Velleio or Vellii. Others, instead, derive it from "villus," sheep's wool, and therefore grassy, or perhaps even a place of production of the fleece, the area of shepherds.
In 1867, the municipality took on the specification "d'Astico" to distinguish it from the homonymous Velo Veronese.
Brief history of the territory
The territory of Velo d'Astico has been inhabited for centuries, since prehistoric times. However, the first official mention dates back to the year 1000.
During the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, the territory was under the jurisdiction of the Velo family of counts. This family built several castles in the area, including that of Velo, whose possession was donated to the Vicenza church by Emperor Henry IV of Saxony in 1084.
In the Velo territory and around the walls of these castles, numerous battles were fought by the Scaligeri and Padovani for the domination of the Vicenza territory.
Towards the middle of the 14th century, during the Scaligeri domination, the territory of Velo d'Astico was subjected, from an administrative point of view, to the civil vicariates of Schio. This situation remained until the end of the 18th century.
Conclusions
Here is a brief description of Velo d'Astico, a beautiful municipality immersed in nature. With its cool climate and mountains covered with spruces and beeches, it is an ideal place for nature and tranquility lovers. If you have the opportunity to visit this small corner of Veneto, it would be an experience not to be missed!
