Fiorano Modenese
Fiorano Modenese: a town south of Modena
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Fiorano Modenese, a town in Emilia-Romagna, located south of Modena. The town has a population of about 16,848 and is part of the Union of Ceramic District Municipalities, along with other towns such as Formigine, Frassinoro, Maranello, Montefiorino, Palagano, Prignano sulla Secchia, and Sassuolo. In the historic center, you can find many industrial establishments dedicated to the production of ceramics, making it an important reference point in the sector.
Physical geography: the regional natural reserve of Salse di Nirano
The municipality of Fiorano Modenese is located near Modena, about 17 kilometers away. It is surrounded by neighboring municipalities of the "Ceramic District" and is also the town with the highest concentration of industrial establishments dedicated to the production of ceramics. Additionally, the territory is home to a regional natural reserve called "Le Salse di Nirano". If you love nature, this is a place to visit!
The history of Fiorano Modenese
Prehistory and ancient history
Fiorano Modenese has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 1940s, Fernando Malavolti conducted excavations in the area of Fornaci Carani, which led to the discovery of an important Neolithic settlement. The archaeological site gave the name to the "Fiorano Culture," the oldest phase of the Neolithic in Italy for central Emilia. It is a settlement that dates back to the 6th millennium BCE, meaning it is the earliest evidence of human presence in the province of Modena. The excavations uncovered various overlapping layers, partly alluvial deposits and partly human activities from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman period. The "Fiorano Culture" is characterized by some typical ceramic containers: large four-handled jars, flasks, bowls, and cups decorated with vertical lines of impressed dots and incised lines.
Following the end of the Terramare civilization around 1150 BCE, the Modenese territory witnessed a strong demographic collapse, despite the survival of small isolated villages. The settlements to the east of the Panaro River are characterized by increasingly decadent cultures, in which elements of nearby flourishing cultures from the Iron Age appear sporadically and modestly.
The town in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Fiorano Modenese came under the political power of the Estensi territorial family. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta was erected in the twelfth century. In the fourteenth century, the Spezzano Castle was built to protect the town from external invasions, especially during the wars between Modena and Bologna.
The town in modern times
In the seventeenth century, the town suffered the consequences of the War of the Mantuan Succession and the Friuli War, which led to the destruction of the Church of San Giovanni. In the eighteenth century, the town suffered the consequences of the Austrian War of Succession, during which most of the region's lands were occupied by the Austrians.
The town in contemporary times
During World War II, Fiorano Modenese suffered bombings and destruction during the last years of the conflict. After the war, the town experienced a period of economic revival and industrial development, primarily thanks to ceramic production.
Conclusions
In summary, Fiorano Modenese is a town in Emilia-Romagna located south of Modena. The town has a long history dating back to prehistoric times, with the discovery of the Neolithic settlement of the "Fiorano Culture". Throughout the centuries, the town has been dominated by various political powers, including the Estensi family. During World War II, the town suffered damages and destruction, but managed to recover thanks to the development of the ceramic industry. Today, Fiorano Modenese is an important reference point in the ceramic production sector, with numerous industrial establishments located in the historic center. If you want to spend a day discovering history and nature, this location is definitely worth a visit!
