Calderara di Reno
Calderara di Reno: an ancient town in Emilia
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about Calderara di Reno, a town in the metropolitan city of Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region with a rich history and discreet charm.
Physical geography
Calderara is located on a vast alluvial plain along the Reno River, northwest of Bologna. The municipal area borders several other towns, including Anzola dell'Emilia, Bentivoglio, and Bologna. For nature lovers, the area offers beautiful landscapes such as the Reno ditches and the natural reserve of the Park of Gypsum and Badlands of Abbadessa.
History
The history of Calderara dates back centuries, a narrative of the events of its inhabitants, between wartime and long periods of peace. Within the municipal area lies the locality of Sacerno, once known in ancient times as Mezzomondo, where in 43 BC, Augustus, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Mark Antony met to establish the division of the territories of the Roman Empire.
In this locality, there is also a Rotunda dating back to the 9th century built by the Benedictines and later incorporated into the 18th-century church. The presence of the Lombards settling in the locality of Longara further enriches the history of Calderara.
Symbols
The Coat of Arms of Calderara di Reno reproduces the insignia of the ancient feudal lords, the golden deer head on a blue background of the Ubaldini family, an illustrious family originally from the Mugello region. Their heirs adopted the name "Calderini," keeping in their quartered coat of arms with imperial eagles, blue and gold, the deer heads surmounted by a golden rose in place of the eight-pointed star of the Ubaldini. The Capo d'Angiò, symbol of the Guelf faction, testifies to the link of the territory with the ancient municipality of Bologna. The gonfalone, on the other hand, is a flag split in yellow and blue.
Honors
Calderara di Reno is one of the cities decorated for military valor during the liberation war, awarded the War Cross for Military Valor for the sacrifices of its people and for their activity in the partisan struggle during World War II. The agricultural town, with anti-fascist traditions, offered asylum and protection to many political refugees during the dictatorship. After September 8, 1943, it did not hesitate to choose armed opposition against the German invader, making a considerable contribution to the constitution of the partisan formations in the area.
The city of Calderara di Reno
Calderara di Reno is a city with a strong tradition and a deep attachment to the values of the territory. The municipality was founded in 1802 under Napoleonic rule, under the name "San Vitale e Calderara." Since then, the economy of the city has shifted from a predominately agricultural to an industrial and artisanal one, thanks also to the proximity with the infrastructure of the provincial capital.
The city, recently awarded the title of city in Italy (December 2019), owes its liveliness to the energy of numerous commercial activities and the continuous presence of productive companies in various sectors. At the same time, Calderara di Reno offers many cultural opportunities: thanks to the presence of several cultural associations, a municipal library, and a museum of peasant civilization, it is possible to get to know the historical values and customs of the city up close.
Conclusion
This is Calderara di Reno, a city full of charm, history, and life that deserves to be discovered up close. For those looking for a peaceful and comfortable place to live, for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Emilian landscapes, and for those who want to get to know the culture and traditions of a city with strong and lasting values. As a Caldarese who is emotionally attached to my city, I hope that your journey of discovery to Calderara will reflect my emotions and my passion for this place.
