Noale historical timeline

Origins

The settlement formed around a fortification on the Marzenego, in the contested ground between Treviso, Padua and the rising power of Venice.

Turning points

From the twelfth century Noale was held by the Tempesta family, who built and rebuilt the castle that carries their name and ruled the town as a small feudal lordship.

Influential people

In 1339 the town passed with Treviso into the hands of Venice, which ended the Tempesta lordship. Under the Republic Noale lost its military function entirely and became an agricultural market town, which is why the fortress survives as a ruin rather than as a modernised fortification.

Cultural evolution

Venetian rule lasted until 1797, followed by Austrian administration and then unification with Italy in 1866 -- the same trajectory as the rest of the mainland Veneto, and a largely uneventful one here.

Present-day significance

The town's modern history is industrial. Aprilia was founded in Noale in 1945, initially making bicycles, moving to motorcycles in the 1960s, and going on to become one of the most successful manufacturers in Grand Prix racing. Its headquarters remain in the town, now within the Piaggio group.