Reda
Reda: a charming hamlet in Faenza
If you are looking for a destination for a day trip in the heart of Romagna, the hamlet of Reda could be the perfect place. Located just 10 km northeast of Faenza, this enchanting spot is the home of the eponymous district and welcomes a population of 870 people. In total, 1180 people live in the hamlet of Reda. Let's discover all the beauties of this place together!
Physical Geography
Territory
The hamlet of Reda extends in the Romagna plain in a privileged position: it is halfway between the Montone river and the Lamone river, at the point where these two watercourses are twins. The Montone river also represents the border between the provinces of Forlì and Ravenna.
Etymology
Hypotheses about the name Reda
The etymology of the name Reda is not clear, but several theories have been put forward. According to the ancient Statutes of Faenza, the inhabitants of "Silva Fantina" (the ancient Reda) were called "heretates", probably because they owned land inherited from the municipality. Monsignor Giuseppe Rossini hypothesized that the name Reda derives precisely from the word "heretates". Another theory holds that the name of the locality derives from the Latin "Retae", which means trees that grow on the banks of rivers. Finally, a popular legend wants Reda to derive from the Latin name "Rheda-ae", which indicated a four-wheeled Roman carriage, perhaps because the inhabitants of the hamlet often used this means of transport.
History
The origin of Reda
Reda boasts a millenary history: Roman colonization of this area began in 193 BC after the defeat of the Gauls. The Romans built the Via Emilia and divided the land into square lots, known as "centuriazione", which consisted of one hundred plots of about 714 square meters each. In the territory of Reda, however, the land has been shaped by the floods of the Lamone, Montone and Rio Cosina rivers and the rectangles of the centuriazione are no longer visible.
Unfortunately, no finds dating back to Roman times have been found in the territory of Reda, but there are many historical testimonies in other nearby localities. For example, the parish of Pieve Corleto houses archaeological finds dating back to 2-3000 years before Christ.
Beauties to discover
Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine
One of the most enchanting places to explore in Reda is the Church of the Madonna del Carmine. Dating back to the eighteenth century, this church features a baroque-style facade and frescoes of scenes from the New Testament inside. Among the most precious works of art kept inside the church is a painting of St. Joseph with the Child, created by Antonio Zanchi in the seventeenth century.
Oratorio di Sant'Agostino
Another place of particular cultural interest is the Oratorio di Sant'Agostino. This small chapel dates back to the seventeenth century and houses a valuable gilded wooden altar of the baroque period inside. This altar houses the statue of the Madonna with the Child, made of terracotta, and a wooden statue depicting St. Augustine.
Nature around Reda
The hamlet of Reda is immersed in the nature of the Romagna plain and represents an excellent starting point for hiking or cycling excursions to discover the surrounding natural areas. For example, the Parco delle Fognature, located a few kilometers from the hamlet, presents numerous pedestrian and cycling paths immersed in unspoiled nature.
Events and traditions
Fiera di Reda
The tradition of the Fiera di Reda dates back to the Middle Ages and is held every year on June 16, on the occasion of the feast of the patron saint of the hamlet, Saint John the Baptist. The fair is an opportunity to shop at the many stands present, but also to taste local typical products such as cold cuts, wine and olive oil. In addition, musical performances and folkloristic events are also organized.
Il Palio di Reda
Another event of great relevance in Reda is the Palio, a competition in which the four districts of the hamlet, San Giovanni, San Giuseppe, San Rocco and Santa Maria, compete. The competition is held every year on August 15 and includes various sports challenges, including running, tug-of-war and costume parades.
In conclusion, Reda is a charming hamlet that has much to offer history, art and nature enthusiasts. If you want to discover the beauties of this place and participate in local traditions, do not hesitate to plan a visit to Reda. We guarantee you won't regret it!
