Poncarale

Poncarale (Brescian: Poncaràl) is a comune in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy.

Poncarale Poncaràl
Comune
Comune di Poncarale
Location of Poncarale
Poncarale Location of Poncarale in Italy Poncarale Poncarale (Lombardy)
Coordinates: 45°28′N 10°11′E
Country	Italy
Region	Lombardy
Province	Brescia (BS)
Frazioni	Borgo Poncarale
Area
• Total	12 km2 (5 sq mi)
Population  (2011)
• Total	5,311
• Density	440/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Demonym	Poncaralesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	25020
Dialing code	030
Patron saint	Gervasius and Protasius
Saint day	19 June
Website	Official website

History

Origin of the name

The name comes from the Latin pons caralis to point out the driveway bridge of the castle for communicate with the burgum.

Roman and medieval era

The oldest archeological findings are from the Roman era, which came to light in 1931 during the restoration work following the overflowing of the river Garza.

In the 9th century there was a noble Brescian family named Poncarali tasked with the administration of the surrounding plain.

From 15th to 19th century

The plague afflicted the town. The first church of the town was opened in 1717. In 1897 the cemetery and the town hall were built by the company of the mayor Emanuele Bertazzoli.

20th century

From 1928 to 1956 the comune combined with the comune of Flero (it was founded the comune of Poncarale Flero) by a Royal Decree.

During the Second World War the Monte Netto was a shelter for many partisans.

Geography

The territory of Poncarale is characterized by the presence of the relief of the Monte Netto, an isolated plain area. There are many rivers, like Molone and Vaso Orso. The most common crops are corn, sugar beet and soy, moreover is an important area for the vineyards.

Notable people

• Aimo Diana, footballer
• Bruno Giacomelli, Formula 1 driver

Gallery

• 
  Piazza dei caduti in Poncarale
• 
  The church of Poncarale
• 
  The Vaso Orso