Montecchio Maggiore

Montecchio Maggiore is a town and comune in the province of Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. It is situated approximately 12 kilometres (7 miles) west of Vicenza and 43 km (27 miles) east of Verona, SP 246 passes through it. Montecchio Maggiore borders the following municipalities: Altavilla Vicentina, Arzignano, Brendola, Castelgomberto, Montebello Vicentino, Montorso Vicentino, Sovizzo, Trissino, Zermeghedo. History The land of Montecchio Maggiore has been inhabited since the late Stone Age, though it was invaded and occupied many times. Two castles built about 975 are claimed to be the inspiration for the Romeo and Juliet legend. Luigi da Porto of Vicenza set the story here in his novel of 1552. Main sights Villa Cordellina Lombardi, is a masterpiece of neo-Palladian architect Giorgio Massari, with frescoes by G.B. Tiepolo. Museum Zannato, founded in 1922 by Giuseppe Zannato, its first curator. It has sections devoted to archaeologcal and paleontological finds. Some of these contain materials found in the late-Roman necropolis of Carpanè. There is also an important gemological section. Castle Bellaguardia (Called Castle of Juliet) Castello della Villa (Called Castle of Romeo) International relations Twin towns – Sister cities Montecchio Maggiore is twinned with: Passau, Germany, from 2003 Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom Carloforte, Italy, from 2009. References Sources (Google Maps) External links Giambattista Tiepolo, 1696-1770, a full text exhibition catalog from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which includes material on Montecchio Maggiore