Sacca
Discovering Sacca: the hamlet on the banks of the Po river in Colorno
Sacca is a charming hamlet in the municipality of Colorno, located north of the city of Parma in the Po Valley. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover this locality that seems frozen in time, thanks to its history, architecture, and position on the banks of the Po river.
Physical geography
Sacca is located 5 km north of Colorno and 25 km north of Parma. The village is in the lowlands of Parma and extends over a flat territory. The area is crossed by the Po river, which runs along the village to the northwest. The State Road 343 Asolana passes through Sacca, in the locality of Sacchetta.
History
Sacca has a long history dating back to the medieval era. The village was founded on an island in the Po river and was initially the only inhabited center in the Colorno area, except for the Colorno castle itself. Over the centuries, Sacca played a fundamental role in trade with the Cremonese side of the Po and in the cultivation of the surrounding lands. In 948, a donation from Lothair II of Italy mentioned a court in Sacca with fishing rights.
In 1138, the Church of San Giorgio was built, which at the time already boasted the rights of the monastery of the Benedictine nuns of the Church of Sant'Alessandro in Parma. The village also had a hospital. The port of Sacca has always played an important role for the city of Parma, thanks to its strategic location on the river.
Sacca under attack
Over the centuries, Sacca has been the scene of numerous military events. Various militias and personalities crossed the river in Sacca, coming from or going to the opposite bank. Militias sometimes carried out real looting, robbing the inhabitants of their grain and other goods. In 1702, Philip V of Spain crossed the river with 7,000 knights. In 1734, the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of Sardinia built a pontoon bridge near Sacca to allow the passage of their troops, and later dug trenches near the village. In 1745-46, French and Spanish soldiers patrolled the banks of the Po, controlling the river crossing. On June 12, 1799, the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza crossed to the opposite bank to escape the arrival of the Napoleonic militias, followed by various officials and the troops following them. In 1848, the body of Archduchess Maria Luisa of Austria-Este was ferried from Sacca to Casalmaggiore on its way to Vienna. In 1945, German soldiers fled at the advance of American troops.
Monuments and places of interest
Church of San Giorgio
The Church of San Giorgio in Sacca is a gem of the medieval period. The church was already built in 1138 and today is in Romanesque style. The interior is sober and elegant, with precious frescoes and a beautiful statue of Saint George on horseback. The church is open to the public and is an essential stop for those visiting Sacca.
The port
Sacca's port is a charming and romantic place. In the past, it hosted mills and boats, but today the landscape is characterized by the presence of ancient poplars and the flow of the river. The area is perfect for a walk or bike ride and is a place of inspiration for artists.
The sacred monuments
Within Sacca, there are a series of sacred monuments dating back to the medieval period. Among these, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary stand out.
Conclusions
Sacca is a small pearl of the lowlands of Parma that certainly deserves a visit. The millennia-long history of this country can be breathed in everywhere, from the cobblestone streets to the historic buildings. The Church of San Giorgio is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, while the port is an opportunity for a walk in contact with nature. Sacca is a place where time seems to have stopped, a unique experience for those who want to discover the beauty and history of the province of Parma.
