Sassoleone
Welcome to Sassoleone: a small village near Bologna
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Sassoleone, a small village in the municipality of Casalfiumanese, in the metropolitan city of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. If you're looking for a peaceful place, surrounded by nature, Sassoleone is the right place for you. Located at 440 meters above sea level, this village will offer you the chance to relax and admire the surrounding landscape.
History: from Middle Ages to Second World War
The origin of Sassoleone dates back to the beginning of the 11th century, when it was called Castrum Sassilioni and was part of the County of Castel dell'Alpi. Over the centuries, Sassoleone has been the subject of various historical events, including the Second World War. During this period, in fact, the village was north of the Gothic Line and was subject to harassment by German soldiers. Twenty-four Sassoleone residents were taken by the soldiers and shot in front of the old church, which was then destroyed along with the bell tower and other buildings. Today, a monument in front of the new bell tower remembers the event, while the road leading to the church was renamed in honor of the Martyrs of the Retaliation.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite its historical vicissitudes, Sassoleone still has some monuments and places of interest worth visiting. In particular, the church of San Prospero, located in the center of the village, is a parish church documented since 1151. The original building was demolished in 1764 and rebuilt in 1772 according to the project of the architect Cosimo Morelli. During the Second World War, the church was partly destroyed and then renovated at the end of the conflict, according to the design of G. Romiti. Today, the church of San Prospero is one of the symbols of Sassoleone and an ideal destination for those who love art and religious architecture.
Events and festivals: the "Sagra della Cuccagna"
Among the most important events held in Sassoleone, there is the "Sagra della Cuccagna", which takes place on the first Sunday of April in the piazza del Leone. The festival includes a series of events in which participants compete to reach the "Cuccagna Tree", a ten-meter pole on which prizes are hung. Participants must try to climb the tree to take the most coveted prize. Another characteristic part of the festival is the throwing of sugar-coated biscuits: from the windows of the buildings overlooking the square, hundreds of bags containing typical biscuits called "zuccherini" or "ramette" are thrown. The "Sagra della Cuccagna" is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the place and to enjoy the delicious typical cuisine of Emilia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sassoleone is a peaceful place where history and nature merge in a unique atmosphere. If you want to experience something different from the usual and discover the beauties of a small Emilian village, I recommend visiting Sassoleone. You won't regret it!
