Castello d'Argile
Castello d'Àrgile: the nature and physical geography of the municipality
Castello d'Àrgile is a small municipality located in the province of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. Its surface area is 29.07 km² and it borders other municipalities such as Argelato, Pieve di Cento, Sala Bolognese, San Giorgio di Piano, San Giovanni in Persiceto, San Pietro in Casale and Cento, in the province of Ferrara. The territory is delimited by natural boundaries such as the Reno River and the Riolo canal. It is divided into four areas: the main town Argile, the Venezzano-Mascarino hamlet, Bagnetto and the Administrative Island.
Argile, the western part of the municipal territory
Argile is the western part of the municipal territory and has had this name since its origins. Derived from the first formulations in classical and vulgar Latin, it was referred to in ancient documents, from 946 onwards, firstly as "fundus", or as "loco", and then as "comune". Until 1223 it was under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Bologna, then it became part of the "contado" under the government of the Municipality of Bologna. In 1380, the inhabited centre was rebuilt in the form of a "castrum" and became the seat of the Vicariate with jurisdiction over the nearby "comuni" of Argelato (including Venezzano), Bagno and Bagnetto.
Venezzano-Mascarino, the eastern part of the municipal territory
Venezzano-Mascarino is the eastern part of the territory and was permanently united and included in the municipal area of Castello d'Argile since 1828. Originally it was part of the municipal area of Argelato and remained there until around 1470; then it became an autonomous "comune", but always included (with Argelato, Bagno and Bagnetto) in the civil jurisdiction of the Vicariate of Argile. In 1588 its church of Santa Maria was elevated to the rank of titular parish. In 1662, the municipal territory of Venezzano was reduced in the southern part and 40 families living there were again subject to the municipality of Argelato.
The nature of the territory
The territory of Castello d'Àrgile is vast and well delimited by the surrounding plains. The climate is mild and temperate with cold winters and mild autumns and springs. The presence of the Reno River and the final stretch of the Samoggia make the territory fertile and cultivable. In the middle of the municipal territory, the Gallerano canal flows, which for a long stretch serves as an internal border between the Venezzano hamlet and the main town of Argile.
Places of interest
Despite its small size, Castello d'Àrgile has all the typical elements of an Italian village and offers several places of interest. Among these, the church of Santa Maria della Neve in Venezzano, the church of Sant'Antonio Abate in Argile, and the Oratory of San Bartolomeo in Argile.
Social life
The social life of Castello d'Àrgile is very active and the population is very welcoming. Among the activities available, there are several cultural and sports associations that offer leisure and company to the village residents. In addition, Castello d'Àrgile is famous for its traditional Sant'Antonio Fair, which takes place every year on January 17.
Economy
The economy of Castello d'Àrgile is mainly based on agriculture and the production of typical local foods. Among the typical products of the area, there are wine, olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena. In addition, there are several manufacturing industries and a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Conclusions
Castello d'Àrgile is a small and welcoming municipality located in the province of Bologna, which offers a unique experience to discover the nature, history and traditions of the region. The active social life and the natural beauty of the territory make this village an ideal place to spend a holiday or to settle permanently.
