“Ever heard of a town where shoes are practically a work of art?” That’s Fossò. Fossò sits in the fertile plains of the Brenta Riviera. It bridges Padua and Venice. This town may get its name from the Latin word “Fossadum”. This likely refers to a minor branch of the Brenta River.
Fossò boasts a history stretching back centuries. Documents mention Fossò as early as 1025. Emperor Corrado II confirmed the acquisition of land here by the Abbot of St. Hilary. By 1073, Fossò was established. It had the title of “villa”. It fell under the jurisdiction of the pieve of Sermacia that is now Vigonovo.
For centuries, Fossò was under Paduan rule. The Delesmanini family held some jurisdictional rights in the 13th century. In 1281, Fossò consisted of 41 families. The population totaled around 300 people. Fossò held importance. Its assigned quotas exceeded those of neighboring areas.
Though spared from major wars, Fossò witnessed a clash in 1380. Nine boats filled with supplies for Venetian troops sank in a Brenta branch. By the 15th century, Fossò was under the Venetian Republic. The town enjoyed relative peace as a small agricultural center.
Napoleon’s arrival ended the Republic of Venice. In 1806, the municipalities of Fossò and Sandon emerged. They were assigned to the Department of Brenta. Later, they moved to the Department of the Adriatic. After Napoleon’s defeat, Veneto fell to Austria in 1815. Sandon joined Fossò as a frazione.
World War I saw many Fossò citizens sent to the front. After the Caporetto defeat, soldiers sought refuge here. Locals offered aid. The end of the war brought celebration. Church bells rang after a long silence. World War II significantly impacted Fossò and Sandon. Military vehicles and troops passed through frequently.
The bells of Fossò’s churches faced requisition for wartime melting. But parish priests saved them. The bridge over the Brenta River suffered bombing. Post-World War II, Fossò saw economic growth. This especially related to shoe production. Urban expansion and population increase followed. Fossò transformed from agricultural to industrial and commercial.
Today, Fossò is famous for luxury footwear. Local manufacturers champion “Made in Italy”. They push for the DOC brand for Brenta Riviera shoes. This brand ensures 100% Italian-made products. Fossò is home to two churches dedicated to St. Bartholomew. The old and new churches stand opposite each other in the main square. Fossò is twinned with a town.
So, when you think of Fossò, remember its fertile plains. Think about its rich history. Also imagine the skilled artisans crafting luxury footwear.