Acquanegra sul Chiese
A place in the Lombardy plain: Acquanegra sul Chiese
Acquanegra sul Chiese is an Italian municipality located in the province of Mantua, in Lombardy. The town is situated in the north-west corner of the province, between the Oglio and Chiese rivers, and has a population of around 2,700 inhabitants.
The territory
The municipal territory covers an area of 28 square kilometers and also includes the parish of Mosio, which is part of the municipality and contributes to the population of over 2,900. To the east, Acquanegra is separated from the municipalities of Redondesco and Marcaria by the Cavata and Tartarello streams, while to the south it borders Calvatone, in the province of Cremona. To the west, it is separated from Canneto sull'Oglio through the Chiese river, while to the north it borders in part with Mariana Mantovana through the Tornapassolo watercourse and in part with Asola via a small road.
Physical geography
Although in the past the territory was covered by forests, most of the wooded areas have disappeared today, except for some areas along the rivers and within the river banks. The entire area is flat, although there are areas that are more or less elevated than others. The most significant difference in altitude is found near the rivers, where there are, in addition to the lowlands (bottoms lying within the river banks), the regoni. The most important of these is the Valli di Mosio regona, which extends from the border between Mosio and Acquanegra to the border of Marcaria.
The origin of the name
The name Acquanegra derives from the Latin "Aqua nigra", which refers to the dark color of the waters of the Chiese river.
History
Symbols
The coat of arms of Acquanegra sul Chiese was approved in 1937 and represents the ancient Abbey of San Tommaso, which contributed to the development of the area. The golden reflections on the blue background represent the fertility of the land rich in water and the protection of the Holy Trinity. The coat of arms is accompanied by the Latin motto "Mementote Clusiae Volsi". The municipality's banner is a piece of red fabric.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the places of interest in the municipality are the church of San Tommaso Apostolo, which was formerly the church of the Abbey of San Tommaso, and the Abbey of San Tommaso itself. Additionally, the municipality is home to the Le Bine Nature Reserve, an area of great ecological value.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Acquanegra sul Chiese has remained fairly stable over the years, at around 2,700 inhabitants.
Language and dialect
The dialect spoken in Acquanegra sul Chiese is a mix of Mantuan, Cremonese, and Brescian dialects.
Culture
The patron saint of Acquanegra is San Fortunato, and the village fair is celebrated on the third Sunday of October every year. The municipality also boasts the figure of Giulio Salvadori, a painter from Mosio and an important exponent of Mantuan painting in the second half of the 20th century.
