The term “pergola” often conjures images of lush, vine-covered structures in modern gardens. But where does this word truly come from, and what is its ancient legacy? 🤔

where does pergola originate from

🌿 The Name’s Roots

The origin of the word “pergola” is popularly believed to be linked to the Italian town of Pergola. This town, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is nestled in the Marche hills amid oak woods and neat vineyards. It’s thought the name might derive from a pergolato(a canopy or arbor) that adorned the entrance of the ancient church of Santa Maria della Pergola.

Another theory suggests the name comes from the geographical term “gola” (meaning gorge), as the area was inhabited since prehistoric times by Celts, Gauls, and Romans and was accessible through a gorge.

The town of Pergola boasts two thousand years of history. Traces of the first settlements in this territory date back to the Celts, Gauls, and Romans, but the exact date of its foundation is disputed. Some historians trace it to the year of its fortification, 1234, while others believe it was many centuries earlier.

🏛️ Pergola’s Distinctions and the Bronze Treasure

Pergola holds two significant claims to fame. The first is patriotic: it was the first city in Italy to raise the tricolor flag on the Municipal Palace on February 14, 1831.

where does pergola originate from

Its second, and perhaps most renowned, claim is its association with the Gilded Bronzes of Cartoceto di Pergola. This is the only complete example of a gilded bronze statue group from the Roman era discovered in the world so far. Other gilded bronzes exist, but never in the form of a monumental group, and never so well preserved. This makes them an international reference piece for the history of ancient art. The Cartoceto Bronzes are not only an artistic masterpiece but also a historical and cultural document of worldwide relevance, shedding light on social, technical, and symbolic aspects of imperial Rome.

Pergola was long under the jurisdiction of the Papal States, which led it to have many places of worship of fine architecture. For this reason, even today it is defined as the “City of the Hundred Churches”.

where does pergola originate from

🍇 The Pleasures of Pergola and Modern Associations

A visit to Pergola offers artisan workshops and historic bakeries where you can taste typical products like visciolato, a sweet wine made from fermented sour cherries with red wine; black and white truffles, the prized product that grows here all year round.

In October, a national fair in honor of the truffle takes place in Pergola, attracting visitors from all over Italy with tastings, markets, and live cooking shows. Events not to be missed are the Historical Reenactment in August and the Ciocco Visciola at Christmas in December, on the weekend of the Immaculate Conception.

It’s worth noting that the architectural pergola, as a garden structure, shares a namesake with this Italian town, whether by direct linguistic evolution or simply through a shared root meaning “covering” or “canopy.” The town’s history with its pergolatoand its status might have indirectly influenced the term used for the garden feature.

where does pergola originate from

⛲ Beyond Italy: A Note on Perge

It’s fascinating to note the existence of another namesake in antiquity: the ancient city of Perge (or Perga) in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). This was an important Greek and then Roman city. While its name is linguistically distinct from the Italian “Pergola,” it adds a layer of historical depth to places bearing similar names.

✨ The Pergola’s Enduring Appeal

The pergola, both as a word and a structure, carries a whisper of history. From the shaded walkways of ancient Italy to the truffle-rich hills of Marche, its essence is about creating space—a sheltered place for conversation, contemplation, and enjoyment of nature’s bounty 🍇.

where does pergola originate from

The journey of the pergola reminds us that our garden structures are more than just wood and vine; they are connected to centuries of tradition, culture, and simple human pleasure. Its evolution from a possible town namesake or functional covering to a beloved garden element showcases a timeless desire to blend architecture with the natural world.