Zermeghedo
Zermeghedo: A Lombard History
Zermeghedo, also known as Xermeghédo in the Venetian language, is a municipality in the province of Vicenza in Veneto, with a population of 1358 inhabitants. With its small size, it is the smallest municipality in the entire Veneto region. Nestled on the southern foothills of the Lessini Mountains, Zermeghedo is the smallest of the nine municipalities in the Chiampo Valley and the smallest municipality in the entire Veneto region in terms of territorial extension.
History of Zermeghedo
The name "Zermeghedo" may derive from the Lombard language, as suggested by the terms used in local toponymy. It is believed that the village played an important role in the defense of the Via Postumia against invasions from the north. Around 568, the village was established as a defensive stronghold against the Roman settlement of Arx Janii (Arzignano). In the course of the 19th century, Zermeghedo came under the dominion of the Franks following the Lombards. Later, in 1250, the village was affected by the attack of Ezzelino III da Romano, who destroyed the nearby Montorso. The Maltraversi counts, owners of the municipalities of Montebello and Zermeghedo, sold them to the free city of Vicenza in 1265.
On April 23, 1335, the free municipality of Zermeghedo was established. After Mass, 34 heads of households gathered under the portego of the house of Uguccione fu Olderico, and in the presence of the necessary notaries from Montorso, Grancona, and Brendola, they drew up the Statutes of the Municipality inspired by democratic autonomy. During the Napoleonic and fascist period, the village lost its autonomy. In 1947, autonomy was regained and there were mayors of great value: Candido Biasi, Giovanni Maria Dal Maso, Floriano Mengotto, Giovanni Selmo, Ruggero Castegnaro, Girolamo Selmo, Silvino Biscotto, Antonio Sterluti, Giuseppe Castaman, Gianluigi Cavaliere and the current mayor, Luca Albiero.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Zermeghedo was granted by decree of the President of the Republic on February 10, 1956.
The Population of Zermeghedo
Enogastronomy of Zermeghedo
The Gobeto di Zermeghedo De.Co. is the traditional pastry product of the Zermeghedo territory. It is a crunchy biscuit in a round, semicircular shape, with a toasted hazelnut color, a sweet and markedly Marsala aroma. It has a delicate taste with a wine aftertaste attributable to the famous Recioto wine. The De.Co. logo is affixed to each package to identify the authenticity of the product.
