Oriago was referred to as Aurilia in documents from the 9th century [2] and over time the name evolved to Aureliacus (994), Aurilagus (1077), Portu Orlaci (1143) [3] and Urgiago (1292).[4][5] It appears therefore that the names derives from the Latin name Aurelius, possibly deriving from the name of a property owner or its proximity to one of the branches of the via Aurelia.[4]
The -ago suffix is frequently used in Veneto (for example nearby localities include Borbiago and Chirignano), and some scholars believe that this originates from the Latin word lacus or lake, referring to a body of water or marshland.
History
In the past the area around Oriago was a marshy continuation of the nearby Venetian Lagoon. Its territory was under the control of the abbey of Sant'Ilario, founded in 816.[6]
Oriago represented the last the last stronghold of Padua on the Riviera del Brenta before it became a territory of the Serenissima. There were a number of conflicts between the two and Francesco Da Carrara, lord of Padua had the fortress of Portonuovo built.[6]
Notable places
Il Termine
At the entrance to Oriago there is brick pillar called il Termine, that served to mark the border between Padua and the Republic of Venice between 1375 and 1405.
There are two parish churches: the main parish is dedicated to Mary Magdalen and was built in the 15th century and modified in the 16th century and has paintings by Jacopo Bassano.[8] While the second parish is dedicated to Saint Peter the apostle and was built in the 20th century.
A number of venetian villas[it] are also located in Oriago, the most notable of which are:
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