Bibbiano
A historical and cultural city
Reggio Emilia is a city in northern Italy with a rich history and cultural heritage. The city is located in the Po Valley, in Emilia-Romagna, and is the capital of the province of Reggio Emilia. The city has a population of around 170,000 inhabitants. It was built by the Roman consul Marco Emilio Lepido about 2,200 years ago, along the Via Emilia, a road built by the ancient Romans that connected the city of Piacenza to Rimini. Reggio Emilia is famous for many things, including Parmigiano Reggiano and the Reggio Emilia Approach.
Physical geography
The territory of Reggio Emilia is entirely flat and crossed by the Crostolo stream. The city is surrounded by many watercourses and smaller streams that were the first inhabited areas. The first foothills of the Reggiano Apennines develop about 10 kilometers south of the municipal territory. Reggio Emilia borders many municipalities including Campegine, Cadelbosco di Sopra, Bagnolo in Piano, Correggio, San Martino in Rio, Rubiera, Casalgrande, Scandiano, Albinea, Quattro Castella, Bibbiano, Cavriago, Montecchio Emilia and Sant'Ilario d'Enza. The city center is located 24 km northwest of Modena and 27.5 km southeast of Parma.
Climate
The climate in Reggio Emilia is temperate Continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The maximum temperatures in summer can exceed 40°C, while in winter the temperatures can drop below -10°C. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, but it is highest in autumn and spring, while July and January are the driest months. Snow falls on the city almost every year in winter, with an average of about 30 cm of snow accumulation, although sometimes snowfalls of 40 cm and more occur.
A cultural city
The Italian flag
Reggio Emilia can boast the title of "City of the Tricolour" and can claim the primacy of having devised the Italian flag. The tricolour was invented in 1797 in Reggio Emilia during the Cispadane Republic. The flag was displayed in the eighteenth-century Sala del Tricolore of the Municipality, which hosts the town council meetings and is now open to the public. The Italian flag is composed of three vertical bands of equal width, respectively of green, white, and red.
Parmigiano Reggiano
Reggio Emilia, together with the neighboring cities of Parma and Modena, is the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, one of the most famous cheeses in the world. Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese made from cow's milk, which has been produced in the area of origin since the Middle Ages. The cheese has an ancient history and is still produced today with traditional techniques, including cooking in large copper vats and aging in cellars. Reggio Emilia celebrates Parmigiano Reggiano with the "Fiera del Parmigiano Reggiano" every year in September.
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach is a pedagogical teaching method developed in Reggio Emilia after World War II. The method involves strong interaction between teachers and students, but also between the school and the community, in a collaborative learning process. The underlying idea of the method is that students are actively involved in their learning and that the school is an environment conducive to experimentation and creativity. The method has been recognized internationally, and many schools worldwide adopt it as a model.
The Municipal Romolo Valli Theatre
The Municipal Romolo Valli Theatre is one of the most important theaters in Italy. It was built in 1857 and has a seating capacity of 830 people. The theater has hosted many performances by famous artists, such as Eduardo De Filippo, Vittorio Gassman, and Luigi Pirandello. The theater offers a unique experience of shows and theatrical productions.
A city of war
During World War II, Reggio Emilia was an active city in the Italian Resistance against the German troops. After the war, the city was one of the cities decorated with military valor for the liberation war of the Italian Resistance, for its significant role in helping to liberate Italy from Nazifascism and resume democracy.
Conclusion
Reggio Emilia is a city rich in history, culture, and heritage. From its beginnings as a Roman city along the Via Emilia to the creation of the Italian flag and the advanced Reggio Emilia Approach teaching method, the city offers many unique experiences and insights. With the influence of the Italian Resistance and the development of Parmigiano Reggiano, Reggio Emilia is a city that has contributed significantly to the history and culture of Italy.
