Pionca

Welcome to Pionca: a historic village in the heart of Veneto

Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a village in the municipality of Vigonza, in the province of Padua, called Pionca. Pionca is a small town located in the Veneto region and its origins date back to the Middle Ages. We will discover together some curiosities about its history and the main tourist attractions in the area.

The history of Pionca

The name "Pionca" has an uncertain origin, but it could derive from the term "Pluncam", which means bridge or passage. Pionca is also the name of a watercourse that crosses the territory and originates from the confluence of two rivers called Pionchetta Nord and Pionchetta Sud. During the Middle Ages, the village was called "Plonca" or "Plunca" and only later the name was transformed into "Pionca".

Pionca is located in the Centuriazione of the Padua territory called ''Cis Musonem,'' or on this side of the Musone river (Veneto). Over the centuries, the village has been crossed by important roads, such as via Cornara, a Roman road that runs parallel to the Cardo Maximus, the via Aurelia. It is said that via Cornara started from the historic center of Padua and passed through Camin, Tombelle, and Sambruson.

One of the first official documents that mention Pionca is the testament of the Doge of Venice Giustiniano Partecipazio, dated 829. This document refers to the boundaries of the 15 local farms, one of which is delimited by the "Pionca" river. Over the centuries, Pionca has undergone various dominations, including that of the Veronese during the war against Padua.

Pionca: history and attractions of a hamlet in Veneto

The attractions of Pionca

Despite its size, Pionca boasts some attractions of historical and cultural interest. One of these places is the church of San Giacomo, which dates back to the medieval era and was restored in the seventeenth century by the Badoer da Peraga family, the noble house that exercised the patronage on the church for many years. The church has a Romanesque facade in exposed bricks and a bell gable.

Another interesting attraction is Villa Cornara, located along via Cornara. The villa dates back to the fifteenth century and is characterized by an Italian garden, from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the village. The villa has recently been restored and is open to the public.

But Pionca is also famous for the events held in the surrounding area, such as the Fiera del Soco, an event that takes place every year in early September. During the fair, you can buy typical products of the territory, such as cured meats, cheeses, and wine.

Conclusions

Here is a brief introduction to the history and attractions of Pionca, a village in the municipality of Vigonza that represents one of the hidden gems of Veneto. If you want to get to know the area better, we recommend taking a walk along via Cornara and visiting the church of San Giacomo and Villa Cornara. And if you are lucky enough to visit Pionca during the Fiera del Soco, don't miss the opportunity to taste the typical products of the area. We are sure you won't regret it!

Ludovica Neri
Wrote by Ludovica Neri
Updated Wednesday, Mar 2, 2022