Orzinuovi sank its roots in the late Middle Ages
Orzinuovi sank its roots in the late Middle Ages when, on 11 July 1193, at the express wish of the city of Brescia, the community of Orci Novi was settled in an area near the River Oglio, right opposite its ancient enemy Soncino, a stronghold of the Duchy of Milan. Always linked to the Serenissima, over time Orzinuovi took on the appearance of a fortified settlement: its town was equipped with a mighty wall to defend the western borders of the Venetian mainland.
Orzinuovi was the birthplace of some of Brescia’s most representative artists active between the 16th and 17th centuries, including Grazio Cossali and Pier Maria Bagnadore, as well as important religious figures, such as the Blessed Stefana Quinzani, and politicians who played a leading role in the historical events that have marked Italy’s history from unification to the present day.
Even today, despite the fact that the city walls were demolished during the 19th century, the two main gates of the town centre remain intact – Porta Sant’Andrea to the north and Porta San Giorgio to the south – as does the ancient fortress named after the original protector of the village, San Giorgio.
During the post-war period, Orzinuovi became an important manufacturing and commercial centre, constantly committed to preserving its historical and cultural heritage. This is symbolised by the charming Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the numerous churches scattered throughout the town centre, the remains of important noble residences and various civil, religious and military buildings in the hamlets of Barco, Coniolo, Ovanengo and Pudiano.
