Bevilacqua
Bevilacqua: a small town divided between two municipalities
Bevilacqua is a small town situated halfway between Cento (in the province of Ferrara) and Crevalcore (in the province of Bologna), in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The region was the subject of hydraulic and agricultural reclamation works during the first half of the 20th century that focused on the marshy areas of the area. The town is bordered on the west by the "Acque Alte" collector, which originates near Lorenzatico and flows into the Panaro River near Finale Emilia. The territory of Bevilacqua was protected from 1992 to 2011 by the Ecological Rebalancing Area of the municipalities of San Giovanni in Persiceto and Crevalcore.
History of Bevilacqua
The history of the town dates back to ancient times, with the discovery of Roman ruins from the 3rd century B.C. The first nucleus of the current center dates back to the early Middle Ages, with the formation of rural communities under the jurisdiction of the Nonantola Abbey, an ancient Benedictine monastery that owned very extensive land. In the 14th century, the territory of Bevilacqua was leased to the Bevilacqua marquises with the request to contribute to reclamation works and to build a place of worship for the population. The Bevilacqua family built an impressive palace as their country residence, thus making a significant contribution to the development of the town in the part of the municipality of Crevalcore. The Cento part of Bevilacqua also has medieval origins and was part of the “Participanza di Cento,” a historical institution that regulated the administration of rural areas owned by the bishop of Bologna and leased to influential local families. The two nuclei of the town, Cento and Crevalcore, were later united in the 20th century to establish a single parish in 1935.
Activities and places of interest
Today, Bevilacqua is a quiet town with some commercial and artisanal activities. The population is mainly concentrated in the Crevalcore area, where shops, bars, and restaurants are located. Among the places of interest is the church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1490 by the Bevilacqua family, which houses an 18th-century marble altar and a 17th-century painting. In the Cento area of Bevilacqua, there is the old Ghiselli family mill, used as a summer residence, and the clock tower from the 14th century, which was part of the old city wall.
Events and traditions
Bevilacqua is characterized by several traditions, the most important of which is the "Sagra del Tortellone" (Tortellone Festival). It is a festival that celebrates the typical dish of Emilian culinary tradition: the tortellone. The festival takes place between May and June and is organized by the pro-loco of the town. During the 4 days of the event, visitors can taste the traditional tortellone, along with other local specialties, and participate in collateral events, games, and performances.
Living in Bevilacqua
Life in Bevilacqua is peaceful thanks to its location in the Emilian countryside. The town offers limited but sufficient services, so there is no need to rely too much on neighboring municipalities. There are several associations that organize activities and events for the community, such as the pro-loco or volunteer association. Additionally, the location of the town makes it easy to reach other nearby tourist destinations such as Ferrara, Bologna, and Modena.
Conclusion
Bevilacqua is a serene and pleasant town divided between the municipalities of Cento and Crevalcore. Its history dates back to the early Middle Ages and developed thanks to the reclamation of the marshy regions and the agricultural participation of Nonantola. Today, Bevilacqua offers limited but sufficient services, and life is peaceful thanks to its location in the countryside. Traditions, such as the Tortellone Festival, are still alive and allow visitors to appreciate local culinary specialties. In general, Bevilacqua is an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility in the Emilian countryside.
