Fratta Polesine
Discovering Fratta Polesine: history, culture, geography and art
If you're looking for a peaceful and charming place to spend a few days, Fratta Polesine could be the right choice for you. Located in the province of Rovigo, in the heart of Veneto, Fratta Polesine is a town that boasts a long and interesting history, breathtaking landscape and vibrant culture. In this article, we invite you to discover everything you need to know about this enchanting location.
Physical geography
Fratta Polesine is located in the mid-western part of Polesine, the wide plain that extends between Po and Adige. The municipality is crossed by the Scortico river and extends southward to the border with Tartaro-Canalbianco. The Paolino hamlet is located right on the riverbank, while the Ramedello hamlet extends to the north, near the borders with Villanova del Ghebbo and Lendinara. Another interesting area to visit is Frattesina, where some of the most important protohistoric sites in Europe are located.
History
Ancient and classical age
The history of Fratta Polesine has very ancient roots. In 2005, during the hydraulic reordering works of the Valdentro basin, numerous archaeological finds dating back to the necropolis of the 11th-9th century BC were discovered. These treasures are now preserved in the national archaeological museum of Fratta Polesine, where you can admire the many artifacts from the area.
Middle Ages
Fratta Polesine has a very ancient history dating back to the Middle Ages. In 1054, the bishop of Adria obtained the fief where the municipality is now located, which was then known as Villa Comedati. In 1104, the Bishops built a Castle, the Castle of Fratta, around which many wars of conquest took place. In 1395, Fratta became part of the Republic of Venice and became known for the Venetian villas that many nobles built in the area, such as the famous Villa Badoer.
Contemporary history
In 1797, the municipality of Fratta Polesine was established as a municipality, with the neighboring villages of Ramedello and Gognano. Over time, Fratta Polesine was included in various administrative entities, including the Cisalpine Republic and the Lombardo-Veneto Kingdom. Today, Fratta Polesine is a quiet and hospitable municipality that attracts visitors from all over the world with its history, natural beauty and rich and varied culture.
Villa Badoer, a masterpiece by Andrea Palladio
One of the most known and important places in Fratta Polesine is Villa Badoer, a masterpiece of the architect Andrea Palladio. Built in 1570 for the Badoer family, this villa stands out for its elegant lines and harmonious arrangement. The villa is surrounded by a beautiful Italian garden with fountains, statues and centuries-old trees. Over the years, Villa Badoer has been extensively restored and preserved, becoming an authentic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Giacomo Matteotti and the Carbonari of Fratta Polesine
Fratta Polesine has also been the homeland of some important figures in Italian history. One of these is Giacomo Matteotti, the socialist leader who was murdered by the fascist regime in 1924. Matteotti was born in Fratta Polesine in 1885 and spent most of his life there. In the city of Fratta, you can visit the house where Matteotti was born, as well as the place where his funeral was celebrated and where he is now buried.
Furthermore, Fratta Polesine is known for the story of the Carbonari of Fratta, a group of insurgents against the Austrian government during the first half of the 19th century. The Carbonari of Fratta Polesine were among the first to fight for the unity of Italy and are still remembered today as heroes of the struggle for independence.
In summary, Fratta Polesine is a town in Veneto rich in history, culture and natural beauty. If you are looking for an authentic and charming place that allows you to immerse yourself in the history of Italy, Fratta Polesine could be the right place for you. Here you can admire works of art such as Villa Badoer and discover important characters such as Giacomo Matteotti and the Carbonari of Fratta.
