The town's name of Latin origins derives from the name "Metius" (probably the owner of these lands), with the addition of the suffix "-anus" indicative of belonging. Municipality in the province of Verona, located in the valley with the same name, its economy is dedicated to the cultivation of vines. Here there is an important production of fine wines, such as: Valpolicella DOC, Recioto, Amarone della Valpolicella and Soave Bianco.
The particular climate in this area attracted inhabitants since the Prehistoric times, also thanks to the abundance of water and fertile soil. Colonized by the Romans, the area developed with the construction of important roads, such as Via Postumia e Via Cara, and the division of the farmlands in centurie. The same roads built by the Romans, paradoxically caused the fall of the Roman Empire, as they provided quicker connections to the Barbarians during their conquest of the Veneto region. To this period of darkness and decay, that ended at the end of the X century there are no remaining traces. Under the domain of the Venetian Serenissima Repubblica, similar to the other localities of the region, the town proved a period of great peace and economic prosperity, the population submitted a certain growth and the several elegant villas were built and became the Summer residences of noble Venetian merchants.
Attractions:
- the XIX century Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built from the project of the architect Gottardi to replace the oldest building situated in the valley and therefore exposed to damage from frequent flooding. Inside there are several altarpieces of the artists Caliari, Dai Libri, Giarola e Ridolfi;
- the XVIII century Church of Saints Fermo and Rustico, built on the remains of an earlier XV century church. It has a Baptistery built by Bartolomeo da Massa and preserves paintings of the artists Creara, Ugolini and del Farinati. It is flanked by a Bell Tower which was built in the second half of the XVIII century;
- the XVII century Church of Sant'Ulderico;
- The XIX century Church entitled to St. Nicholas of Bari;
- the XI century Monastery of San Cassiano;
- the Bell Tower of the original church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the XII century;
- the XVIII century Villa Maffei features a private park and is decorated with frescoes of the artist Del Porta;
- the XV century Villa Giuliari which contains a famous fresco of the artist Farinati;
- the XVIII century Villa Roja which features a beautiful park.
- the XV century Villa Della Torre.