Lonigo

Lonigo
Comune
Comune di Lonigo
Location of Lonigo
Country	Italy
Region	Veneto
Province	Vicenza (VI)
Frazioni	Almisano, Bagnolo, Lobia Vicentina, Madonna, Monticello
Government
• Mayor	Sergio Poreno (commissioner)
Area
• Total	49 km2 (19 sq mi)
Population  (31 March 2009)
• Total	15,904
• Density	320/km2 (840/sq mi)
Demonym	Leoniceni
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	36045
Dialing code	0444
Patron saint	Sts. Quirico and Giulitta
Saint day	March 25
Website	Official website

Lonigo is a town and comune in the province of Vicenza, Veneto, northern Italy, its population counts around 16.000 inhabitants.

In its frazione of Bagnolo is the Villa Pisani, a Renaissance patrician villa designed by Andrea Palladio, which is part of a World Heritage Site. There are a number of villas associated with the Pisani family in the Veneto, and there is a second one in Lonigo - usually called "Rocca Pisana", it was designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi.

Note

The Origin of the Name Lonigo is uncertain. It may come from the word 'Luna', moon, or from the star sign Leo, as Lonigo was founded in August. Others think 'Lonigo' could derive from the name of the noble Roman family Leonici de' Flavi.

History

The area of Berici Hills, surronding Lonigo, was inhabited during Prehistoric times. Some findings near the town centre prove that Lonigo was inhabited before the birth of Christ, but it became an important settlement during the Roman age thanks to its strategic position. Some tombstones, in Bagnolo and in Piazza Garibaldi, date back to this time. Lonigo became an important town during the Middle Ages. The first documents quoting the name Lonigo date back to around 1000 A.D. From the X century onwards the Calmano Castle began to be built, probably in order to protect Lonigo from the Hungarians who invaded and destroyed many towns and villages in Pianura Padana. What remains of the castle now is just a few towers and some parts of the ancient walls: the castle was destroyed at the end of the XIX century and replaced by the Cathedral of Lonigo, which may recall the castle for its huge size and impressive position. 'Calmano' comes from the Latin 'Callis Magna', i.e. 'large street', referring to the area where the castle was built. 'Torrione' is the main tower of the castle; it was built in the XIII century, when the Scaligeri lords of Verona reigned in Lonigo. It is 34 metres high and open to the public. The tower behind the cathedral is called 'Prisons' and it was a real prison up to few decades ago.

In 1404 Lonigo became part of the Republic of Venice. It was the beginning of a time of peace and prosperity when churches and monasteries were built: the Santuario della Madonna dei Miracoli, the Santi Fermo e Rustico monastery, the San Daniele Church and San Marco Evangelista Church. The powerful Pisani family from Venice left remarkable buildings in Lonigo: Rocca Pisana, Villa Pisani and Palazzo Pisani. The Republic of Venice ruled till 1796 when Napoleon offered its territory to Austria. In 1796 Lonigo citizens welcomed the French troops into town but just one year later they were disappointed by the presence of the new Austrian rulers.

The XIX century was a prosperous time for Lonigo. There lived around 8,000 inhabitants with a majority of farmers. Wine was a high-quality local product which was sold in the whole region and abroad. The Horse Exhibition was an important yearly event which attracted visitors from all over Italy and Europe. In the XIX century the local library was opened, the Teatro Comunale was built and the hospital was expanded. Engineer Giovanni Carraro was a major protagonist of Lonigo urban development.

Bibliography: 'Lonigo. Guida Turistica', ControRiccardo Editore, Lonigo (Vicenza), Dicembre 2011

Notable people from Lonigo

Carlo Ridolfi, painter and writer

Ognibene Bonisoli, humanist

Clemente Gatti, priest

Niccolò Leoniceno, doctor and humanist

Angelo Melotto, missionary

Camillo Bonioli, surgeon

Fabio Baldato, cyclist

See also

• Speedway Grand Prix of Italy