The Cedar of Verolanuova

The Bassa Bresciana area, although the first settlements date back to pre-Roman times, had limited anthropic growth in ancient times due to the marshy soil.

It was only after the medieval hydraulic drainage works (in particular the diversion of the River Oglio) that a clearer development of the flat land began. The municipality of Verolanuova also began its rapid growth from 1400 onwards. The 16th century saw the construction of Palazzo Gambara, now the town hall and library, and the monumental Piazza della Libertà. In the park of the former aristocratic residence is a majestic Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), whose 25-metre-high trunk overhangs the boundary wall and spectacularly bends its foliage towards the square.

Arriving at its feet, one can appreciate the vigorous trunk with a circumference of more than 4.5 metres (diameter 150 cm). What makes the tree monumental, however, is above all its spectacular location, which allows it to play a prominent landscape role in the town's central square. This is characterised by elegant architecture and the canal that runs through it on the cedar side. From here, the 17th-century Basilica of San Lorenzo Martire, which also houses works by Tiepolo, can be seen in the background.

A green monument that is accessible to the public during park opening hours.

(Ph: Luca Pernechele)