Casola Valsenio
The history of Casola Valsenio
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Casola Valsenio, a municipality with a long history in the province of Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. In this article, I will tell you about the foundation of the town, its history up to the 18th century, and some curiosities about this small locality.
From foundation to the 18th century
The upper valley of the Senio has been inhabited since very ancient times. Since the year 1000, the abbey of the Order of St. Benedict of Valsenio was founded, from which a vast agricultural reclamation project began, resulting in an increase in cultivated land and the introduction of the cultivation of chestnuts. The first memory of the locality of Casola dates back to 1126, when Pope Honorius II granted the "Castrum Casulae" to the Diocese of Imola. The fortification was located on the hill above the current town center. In June 1216, the people of Faenza destroyed the "castra" of Casola and Montefortino, forcing the inhabitants to move downstream and found a new settlement.
The Pagani family, from the upper valley of the Senio, is the origin of Maghinardo Pagani ('ante' 1243-1302), mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy as "the lion from the white nest that changes part from summer to winter." Maghinardo played an important role in the political and military events of 13th century Romagna. In the 15th century, the parishes of Vedreto, Monte Mauro, Pozzo, St. Andrea, Stifonti, Gualfusa and Presiola were forcibly taken away from the jurisdiction of the municipality. They were merged with the municipality of Brisighella, located in the valley of the Lamone River.
From the Renaissance to the 18th century
In 1424, Filippo Maria Visconti conquered Imola, and then also Casola swore allegiance to the Duke of Milan, to then pass again to the Manfredi of Faenza (1439), then to Girolamo Riario and Caterina Sforza, lords of Imola and Forlì (1478) and, finally, to Cesare Borgia (1500-1503). After a brief Venetian period, in 1506 Casola, with the whole of Valsenio, was annexed to the Papal States. In 1524, the boundaries were redefined: the municipal territory was extended upstream to include Baffadi and Mercatale.
In the 18th century, the role of the Ceroni family was established, to the point that the nickname "Ceroni" for the inhabitants of Casola spread to nearby towns.
Final reflections
The history of Casola Valsenio is truly fascinating! It is incredible to think that this small locality has such a long history, marked by historical events that have influenced the life of this community. I hope that this article has opened your eyes to this locality and that it has given you some inspiration to delve into its history and traditions. If you happen to be in the area, take the opportunity to visit this beautiful town and discover its millennial history!
