Cadelbosco di Sopra
Welcome to Cadelbosco di Sopra!
Hi everyone! Today we'll be talking about Cadelbosco di Sopra, a town in the beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna.
Territory
Cadelbosco di Sopra is situated in the Po Valley, just 8 km from Reggio Emilia. The town covers an area of 44 square kilometers and includes several hamlets such as Cadelbosco di Sotto, Villa Argine, Villa Seta, and Zurco. The town borders other municipalities such as Guastalla, Novellara, Bagnolo in Piano, Reggio Emilia, Campegine, Castelnovo di Sotto, and Gualtieri.
Climate
The climate in Cadelbosco di Sopra is humid subtropical, with hot and humid summers, cold winters, and widespread rainfall in spring and autumn. This means you might have the chance to enjoy some sun but also get caught in the rain!
A bit of history
Origins
The origins of the town can be traced back to the period between 900 and 950, when the village of Vicozoaro was situated amidst swampland and dense woods. The village was named after the spelt used to make bread. Over time, a castle was built by the lords of Della Palude, vassals of the Marquess Bonifacio di Canossa.
Medieval period
In 1215, the castle and court passed into the hands of Gherardo Del Bosco, who then sold everything to the Monastery of San Prospero in Reggio. At that time, the courts were divided into three parts: the house, the farm, and the communalia. To provide assistance to the poor and pilgrims, churches and convents were built in these courts. There were also farming colonies, where farmers lived in rudimentary houses with their livestock and warehouses. One of these colonies was Roarolo (now Traghettino), and the other was Boschetto.
What to see in Cadelbosco di Sopra
The castle
One of the main attractions of Cadelbosco di Sopra is the Castle of Vezzano, which was built during the town's origins. The building is currently abandoned, and you can only admire the facade, but medieval archaeology enthusiasts will appreciate its imposing structure.
The church of San Giovanni Battista
The church of San Giovanni Battista was built in the 12th century by Benedictine monks, who later sold it to the De Bosco family. It originated as a place of worship for the court of Vezzano and subsequent renovations converted it into a sacred building.
The fountain of Piazza Umberto I
This fountain was created at the end of the 19th century by sculptor Achille Donati and was a meeting place for citizens for many years. The fountain is one of the numerous public works created in post-unity Italy.
The parish theater
The parish theater was built around 1910 and renovated in the late 1970s. It is one of the few surviving examples of a parish theater in Italy and hosts several theatrical performances every year.
Traditions of Cadelbosco di Sopra
Gourmet Gelato
Cadelbosco di Sopra boasts excellence in the field of gelato with I Gelati Gourmet. This small artisanal laboratory produces some of the best gelato in the region, and you certainly can't leave the town without stopping for a taste.
San Michele Fair
In the fall, Cadelbosco di Sopra hosts the traditional San Michele Fair, which takes place in nearby Zurco. The fair offers a wide choice of traditional Emilian and local products. Make sure to mark it on your calendar!
Sagra della Spianata
During the month of August, you can participate in the Sagra della Spianata, a typical dish with tomato, basil, garlic, parsley, cheese, and eggs. Even if you're a vegetarian, you can't miss it!
Conclusions
Cadelbosco di Sopra is a town rich in history, culture, and traditions. Our advice is to visit the Castle, the church of San Giovanni Battista, and try the Gourmet Gelato. At any time of the year, you'll have the opportunity to participate in events and festivals, and taste typical Emilian cuisine. Have fun discovering this small jewel in the Po Valley and let me know what you think!
