Massa Finalese
Discover Massa Finalese: a historic village
Hello everyone! Today I will take you on a journey to discover a historic village: Massa Finalese. Located in the province of Modena, in the Emilia-Romagna region, the village counts around 4,061 inhabitants.
History
Middle Ages
Massa Finalese has an ancient history. Already in a document dating back to 811, the village of Massa is mentioned. In the Middle Ages, the village rapidly expands from an economic and demographic perspective thanks to its proximity to the Secchia river. Moreover, the settlement is described as a "castrum", meaning a fortified village, as shown by the excavations that brought to light archaeological layers with materials from the Roman age. Unfortunately, the village is destroyed due to the fights between Ducato Estense and Pico della Mirandola, and is abandoned by its inhabitants.
Contemporary Era
In the following centuries, the settlement of Massa comes back to life around the ancient Pieve. It later becomes a fraction of Finale Emilia, but abandons its agricultural vocation during World War II and grows thanks to some industrial settlements. Today, the center of the town looks like many other villages in the Modena area.
2012 Earthquake
Unfortunately, Massa Finalese was at the epicenter of the earthquakes that struck Emilia in 2012, in particular the one on May 20. The church of San Geminiano suffered serious damages, but the bell tower was saved with a special metal harness.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The village of Massa Finalese has some historic monuments worth visiting.
Bishop's Casino
The Bishop's Casino is a Renaissance villa, which for a long time belonged to the Bishop of Modena. Today, the villa is open for ceremonies, weddings, and cultural events.
Carrobio Castle
The Carrobio Castle is one of the main residences present in the Modena area. The building dates back to the 17th century, and today it is possible to visit both the interiors and exteriors of the structure.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Massa Finalese is a historic village that has many things to offer. From its ancient history to its architectural beauties, this town deserves to be visited. Don't forget to take a walk in its outskirts, where you can find elegant villas that testify to the presence of the wealthy class of landowners.
