San Germano dei Berici

Remains of prehistoric pile dwellings, along with archaeological material dating to the Roman period, have been discovered in the marshy area of the Val Liona and in the hamlet of Villa del Ferro.^[2]

The first historical records relating to the settlement date from the 13th century. In 1265, documents mention the Benedictine parish church dedicated to Saint Germanus, Bishop of Capua, from whom the municipality later took its name.^[2] In 1266, Bishop Bartolomeo da Breganze received from Manfredino, son of Trintinacio da Orgiano, the renunciation of his rights over several properties in the Orgiano and Sossano area. These included a castle, the castrum ville ferri, located near the present-day hamlet of Villa del Ferro.^[3]

Around the middle of the 14th century, during the rule of the Scaliger family, the territory of San Germano was placed under the civil Vicariate of Orgiano for administrative purposes. It remained under this jurisdiction until the end of the 18th century.^[3]

During the 18th century, the area was particularly affected by brigandage, becoming a garrison for the Austrian Army to maintain order throughout the Val Liona region.

On 17 February 2017, the municipality of San Germano dei Berici was abolished and merged with the municipality of Grancona to form the new municipality of Val Liona.