The origins of the town's name are uncertain: for some historians it derives from the Latin "mons belli" (mountain of the war), while according to others, it always comes from Latin, but with the meaning "beautiful mountain". It is a municipality in the province of Vicenza, on the slopes of the Monti Lessini near the Valley of Chiampo, on the border with the territories of Verona. Located not far from the Berici Hills, the area is rich of water springs and streams: here flow the Agno and the Chiampo.
The area was inhabited since pre-Roman times by Paleo-Venitian tribes, that settled here, attracted by the important presence of water. Later colonized by the Romans the area was enriched with important roads, such as Via Postumia. Remains establish that Montebello was a Roman coach station and already offered a certain kind of hospitality and fresh horses. After the Fall of the Roman Empire, the area was invaded and looted by the Barbarians, such as: Goths, Lombards and Franks. Over the centuries it submitted the domain of several noble lords: the Maltraverso of Vicenza, the Della Scala, the noble families of Venice, the Visconti and the Carrara. In the early years of the XV century, Montebello became part of the Serenissima Republic and the Venetian government ended with the arrival of Napoleon and following period of Austrian rule. During the Renaissance it was the unfortunate scenario of the clash between the troops of Habsburg and 3000 young Italian students.
Atrractions:
- the Provost Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which was designed by the architect Massari and built in the second half of the XVIII century to replace a smaller former construction. It presents itself in neo-Classical style and is a monumental building that does not go unnoticed. The façade features four massive columns enriched with bases and capitals, and two niches containing statues of saints, the portal is surrounded by an elaborate cornice, with a high-end relief above the capitals of the columns. The tympanum is characterized by a gable surmounted by three statues. The building is flanked by a Bell Tower of later construction. Inside is preserved a wooden statue of the Virgin of which the author and the date of implementation are unknown;
- the Church of San Giovanni, originally built in the early years of the XV century, was partially restored in the late XVII century. Inside are preserved a valuable altarpiece and a contemporary XVIII century altar;
- the Castle, recently renovated, probably built where in Roman times there was a fortification. In the XIV century the structure was fortified and remodeled by the Della Scala. Over the following centuries it has been owned by several noble families;
- Villa Valmarana Zonin, a building of the early XVIII century with the monumental façade;
- the Town Hall and its famous Lodge, built in 1677, supported by four arches;
- Villa Meneguzzo;
- Villa Miari.