Visano
Visano: let's discover a bit of history and geography
Visano, also known as Isà in the Brescian dialect, is an Italian commune located in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy. The town has 1990 inhabitants and is situated in a flat area geologically belonging to the low-lying Po Valley. The eastern border is marked by the Chiese river, near the town of Acquafredda. In the territory of Visano, there are numerous canals and streams, including the Palpice. The area is classified as low seismic activity, zone 3.
The name of the city, according to studies by Mazza (1986), could derive from the Latin gentilic "Visius" or from the Celtic linguistic root "Is-Hisa," which meant low and marshy pasture.
The history of Visano
Visano could date back to the Gallic Cenomani era, who settled near the Chiese river. The presence of tombs and crosses from the barbaric era has also been discovered. Later, Visano was the site of a parish, whose presence is attested before the Monastery of Leno took possession of several properties in the area. In 1275, in a document related to the episcopal election of Berardo Maggi, the Visanese archpriest is mentioned in sixth place, demonstrating the antiquity of the parish that he administered.
In 1332, the village was razed by Mastino della Scala, while other destruction was carried out in 1348 by Giovanni Visconti, a condottiero of the time. It is not mentioned in the Visconteo Estimo of 1385, but in 1396 a document from Visconti's son, Uberteto, requested the archdiocese of Brescia invest in the Visano fief.
In the 15th century, Visano became part of the territory of the Republic of Venice. It was first framed in the Quadra di Calvisano, as evidenced by documents from 1473, then in that of Ghedi in 1679. In 1610, Giovanni Da Lezze in his "Catastico Bresciano" provides few information about the town, including that the church, dedicated to Saint Peter, was officiated by a parish priest, while the archpriest did not reside there but received a pension.
In 1689, work began on the construction of the new parish church dedicated, in addition to the plebeian patron Saint Peter, to Saint Paul of Tarsus. It was wanted by the archpriest Giacomo Marchionni. During the visit of the Bishop Marco Dolfin (1704), the ecclesiastical building was completed but not yet consecrated.
Following the events that affected Brescia in 1797, the municipality of Visano became part of the Brescian Republic in March. Then, in November, it became part of the Cisalpine Republic and was assigned to the Canton of Clisi with a law of 1 May 1797. In May 1798, it passed to the District of Gottolengo and in October of the same year was annexed to the District of Colli, both of which were part of the Department of the Mella.
In 1801, the municipality was then incorporated into the III District of Verolanuova, still of the Department of the Mella, and remained in this situation during the Italian Republic (1802-1805).
Conclusion: Visano's heritage
In conclusion, Visano is an ancient city that dates back to the Gallic Cenomani era. Its foundation is clearly ancient, as shown by archaeological finds and documentary evidence. Over the years, the city has been destroyed and rebuilt, like many other Italian cities. Currently, with its 1990 inhabitants, Visano represents a small but precious cultural heritage of the province of Brescia and Lombardy. The city, in fact, preserves important monuments, such as the church of San Pietro, and a territory rich in canals and streams that mark its physical geography. Visano is a city that, despite its antiquity, never ceases to surprise and fascinate enthusiasts of Italian history and culture.
