Bagnara di Romagna
Bagnara di Romagna: a historically fascinating place in Emilia-Romagna
Bagnara di Romagna is a municipality in Emilia-Romagna with a fascinating history that is reflected in its architecture, landscapes, and local culture. In this article, we will explore the geography of the place and its history, from the Roman period to the unification of Italy.
Physical Geography
Territory
Bagnara di Romagna is located in the western part of the province of Ravenna, bordering the province of Bologna. The municipality is spread over a wooded and swampy territory that was partially reclaimed by the Etruscans and then by the Romans. The town is located on the banks of the Santerno River, which separates Ravenna from Bologna.
Stradelli Guelfi, an ancient road parallel to the Via Emilia that connected various castles, churches, and noble residences from the city of Bologna to the Adriatic Sea, also passes through the territory of Bagnara. Among all the fortified villages that arose along the route, Bagnara is the only example of a medieval ''castrum'' that is still entirely preserved.
History
Foundation
The Latin name of the place was ''Silva Bagnaria'' or ''Balnearia'', which means "forest with thermal waters". The toponym attested to the existence of hot water springs in the area, which were used by both the Etruscans and the Romans.
The first nucleus of the city of Bagnara was built in the Middle Ages, around a ''castrum''. The first paper document in which Bagnara is mentioned dates back to March 855 when a nobleman from Imola, Gisolfo, made a donation to the Archbishopric of Ravenna-Cervia Giovanni. Among the donated properties was the ''curtem meam integram que est posista in Balnearia'' with its accessories, including a ''castrum'' that became the fiefdom of the diocese of Imola in 1126 by decision of Pope Honorius II.
From the Middle Ages to the Unification of Italy
During the following centuries, the control of the ''castrum'' passed into the hands of different masters who obtained it as war loot, by purchase, or by donation. During this period, Bagnara was the site of battles, looting, and negotiations. The ''castrum'' was destroyed on May 8, 1222, during a battle between the allied cities of Bologna and Faenza, which defeated Imola, to which Bagnara belonged. The survivors of the battle moved to a place where there was a chapel dedicated to St. John, just 800 meters away, where the new Bagnara began to form.
Over the centuries, Bagnara continued to grow and become an important center in Emilia-Romagna. In 1863, the name of the municipality was changed to Bagnara di Romagna to distinguish it from the municipality of Bagnara Calabra.
Conclusions
In summary, Bagnara di Romagna is a fascinating place with a long and interesting history. The beauty of its territory and the aura of antiquity that surrounds it make it an ideal place to visit and learn more about the history of Emilia-Romagna.
