Summanus and Mount Summano
Traditionally Mount Summano (elevation 1291 m.) in the Alps near Vicenza (Veneto, Italy) is considered a site of the cult of god Pluto, Iupiter Summanus and the Manes .
The area was one of the last strongholds of ancient religion in Italy as is shown by the fact that Vicenza had no bishop til 590 CE.
Archeological excavations have found a sanctuary area that dates back to the first Iron Age (IX century) and was continuously active til late antiquity (at least IV century CE). The local flora is very peculiar as in ancient times pilgrims used to bring flowers from their native lands.
The mountain top is frequently hit by lightningbolts. The mountain has a deep grotto (named Bocca Lorenza) in which according to a local legend a young shepherdess got lost and disappeared. The story looks to be an adaptation of the myth of Pluto and Proserpina.
The content of this section is adapted from the entry Monte Summano of WP Italian.
Read more about this topic: Summanus
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