Fiscaglia
Massa Fiscaglia: The Town on the Way to the Po Delta
Massa Fiscaglia, also known as "La Mase" in the Ferrara dialect, is a fraction of 3,781 inhabitants of the municipality of Fiscaglia, in the province of Ferrara. Before December 31, 2013, it was an independent municipality. The territory of this locality is located between 30 and 35 kilometers east of Ferrara and between 15 and 20 kilometers northwest of Comacchio. The town developed along the Po di Volano, a branch of the Po, which is currently reduced to a drainage canal but which was once the main river delta branch.
Physical Geography
The territory of Massa Fiscaglia is entirely flat (maximum altitude of 3 meters) and partly below sea level. Originally it was characterized by a succession of wetlands (lakes, sometimes brackish) and delta marshes, separated by hills, with a precarious hydrographic balance. Thanks to continuous canalization and reclamation interventions, mainly in the second half of the 19th century, cultivation has become possible. Today, the countryside of Massa Fiscaglia is characterized by large lots of industrial plants, with relatively low population density. The soils consist of marsh-alluvial deposits of clayey type and are quite powerful and rich in peat that makes them tendentially acidic. The nearest meteorological station to Massa Fiscaglia is that of Codigoro. According to the 1961-1990 reference thirty-year average, the average temperature of the coldest month, January, is +2.1 °C; that of the hottest month, July, is +23.5 °C.
Origins of the Name
The toponym "Massa Fiscaglia" indicates the existence of a "mass of goods" or field/meadow. Following seizures, the space became "con-fisco" and taxes were imposed for the benefit of the Caesar. This confiscation was organized into a "castrum" for defensive purposes.
The History of Massa Fiscaglia
Middle Ages
The etymology of the toponym "Massa Fiscalie," or "Massa Phiscalia," together with the autonomy of the "consortium," suggests two possible hypotheses about its origin. The first is that it is the result of a confiscation in the 6th century of the Exarchate of Ravenna, then organized into a "castrum" for defensive purposes. The second hypothesis, supported by some local scholars, is that the origin is late Roman.
Renaissance
In the Renaissance period, the town underwent partial reconstruction and urban development. Art, culture, and economy were of great importance for the city.
Modern Times
In the 19th century, the process of reclamation of the Comacchio Valleys and the Po Delta area, including Massa Fiscaglia, accelerated. The marshy areas were recovered for agriculture. In the 20th century, the town underwent increased urban development with many new constructions. Massa Fiscaglia became, finally, a fraction of Fiscaglia and no longer an independent municipality.
Activities, Traditions and Cuisine
Activities
Today, Massa Fiscaglia is mainly an agricultural town.
Traditions
Among the various local traditions, there is the festival of the patron Saint Francis of Assisi, which is celebrated every year on October 4th.
Cuisine
The Ferrara cuisine is highly appreciated for its meat-based dishes, especially pork, and vegetables. Among the typical dishes of the town, there are pumpkin tortelloni, cappellacci, passatelli in broth, potato gnocchi with herbs or walnuts, and tagliatelle with ragù sauce. Furthermore, the pastry tradition includes wine biscuits and almond brittle.
Conclusions
Massa Fiscaglia appears as a town of great historical and artistic importance. Its geographical position makes it particularly interesting, and its proximity to the Comacchio Valleys and the Po Delta makes it an ideal tourist destination. Its traditional cuisine is good and rich in unique flavors. If you have the opportunity to visit the area, Massa Fiscaglia is a place not to be missed.
