Correggio
Welcome to Correggio
Welcome to Correggio, a municipality located in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. With a population of 25,076 inhabitants, Correggio was for many years the second most populous municipality in the province after Reggio Emilia. Today it continues to be the district capital of the Pianura Reggiana Union, also composed of other municipalities such as Campagnola Emilia, Fabbrico, Rio Saliceto, Rolo and San Martino in Rio.
Physical geography
The Correggio territory has alluvial origins, formed by the Apennine rivers and their tributaries, including the Tresinaro and the Crostolo stream, as well as the artificial canal north of Correggio. In addition, the name Correggio derives from the ridges of land that emerge from the alluvial zones of the valleys, which are called "corrigia". The city is located in the Po Valley, 17 km northeast of Reggio Emilia. The municipal territory is composed of the capital and 11 villages, for a total of 77.79 square kilometers.
Origins of the name
The name Correggio derives from the Latin "corrigia" or "corrigium", which means "leather strip", belt or strap. The word also extends to the "strip of land between swamps" or "strip of land between waters".
History
The first traces of human settlements date back to the Iron Age, with Celts and Ligurians, followed by the Villanovan civilization. In addition, there are numerous Roman testimonies that demonstrate the Roman colonization of the Correggio territory. The city of Correggio has medieval origins, linked to the Lombard domination. The toponym Corrigia appears for the first time in a document dating back to 946.
The Correggio territory was under the Signoria di Correggio from 1009 to 1635. In 1559, Emperor Ferdinand I of Habsburg elevated Correggio to the rank of City, granting it the privilege of minting coins and maintaining a city "Catalogue of Nobility". In 1616, Correggio was erected to a Principality thanks to the payment of a considerable sum. However, in 1635, Prince Siro of Correggio was accused of minting false coins and all his territories were annexed to the Duchy of Modena and Reggio. In 1860, Correggio also became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia with the Plebiscite of the provinces of Emilia in 1860.
Conclusion
Correggio is a municipality with a great historical and cultural heritage, with origins dating back to the Iron Age and a medieval history that can still be admired in its narrow streets and buildings. The Correggio territory, thanks to its alluvial origin, offers a unique natural spectacle in the Po Valley. Correggio represents an excellent tourist destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the history and nature of the province of Reggio Emilia.
