Cento
Welcome to Cento: a historic land
Cento is a hamlet in the comune (municipality) of Budrio, in the province of Bologna. It is an area rich in history and monuments, so much so that it is considered a hidden gem in the region.
Its name derives from the Roman system of centuriazione, a system of measurement for agricultural works in which 'centum' represented a unit of measurement. Its history dates back to the 1200s, when the area was still a wild wooded and cultivated area. At this time, there were two churches in Cento: Santa Maria and San Biagio, of which only the former was officiated in the 1300s and is still the current parish church today.
The Church of Cento
The current church of Santa Maria in Cento was built in 1902 by Edoardo Collamarini on the site of the ancient place of worship. This sacred building stands out for its beauty and majesty; it houses numerous historical treasures, including precious marbles and valuable furnishings. The church was restored in the 1700s and in the 1990s.
Noble families of Cento
The agricultural life of the area was marked by the arrival of several noble families from Bologna starting from the 15th century. Among these were the Magnani, a Bolognese family, the Guidotti and the Bolognetti. Even today, scattered dwellings can be found in the area testifying to these families.
Agricultural companies and English silos
In the early 1800s, the Swiss Loup family decided to settle in Cento, creating a large and innovative agricultural company. Today, some English-style silos can still be admired, which are part of a residence. These silos, dating back several centuries, constitute an important historical heritage for the area.
Cento: a small but precious hamlet
In general, Cento is a small but precious hamlet in Emilia-Romagna, despite not being well-known. Its history and beauty deserve to be discovered and appreciated by all. If you have the opportunity to visit this area, do not hesitate to do so; you will certainly be fascinated by its beauty and its millennial history.
External links
For more information on Cento and the comune of Budrio, see the section dedicated to hamlets on the official website of the municipality.
Category: Hamlets of Budrio.
