Fusignano
Welcome to Fusignano!
If you're looking for a quiet destination with an interesting history, Fusignano is the place for you. This Italian municipality, located in the province of Ravenna, is home to just over 8000 people. But don't let its small size fool you: Fusignano hides an invaluable historical and cultural heritage. In this short summary, I'll tell you the story of this enchanting place.
History
From foundation to Italian unification
The history of Fusignano began many centuries ago, when the area where it is now located was still covered by forests. The first document that mentions the area dates back to 743 and concerns a donation of forest made by the Lombard king Liutprand to the bishop of Faenza. Here, a church was built, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, which over time became one of the most important in the area.
In 1213, the territory of Fusignano was granted to the captain of the militia of Azzo V d'Este, Francesco Mancini. From that moment, its evolution as a populated center began, which was consolidated in the mid-thirteenth century thanks to the Donigallia family. In 1257, due to a terrible flood of the Senio river, the population was forced to move 12 km to the north, where a "castrum" was built in the "Fuscinianus" valley. In 1445, the territory passed to the Este family of Ferrara, then to Teofilo Calcagnini and finally to the Papal States.
From our days to treasures to discover
Today, Fusignano is a rather quiet provincial municipality, but it is rich in treasures to discover. The church of San Giovanni Battista, which dates back to the 10th century, is certainly one of the main attractions for tourists: inside, you can admire a beautiful wooden crucifix from the 14th century and the statue of St. John the Baptist, from the 18th century.
Not far from the church is also the church of Madonna di Fusignano, attested by a parchment from 1071, which houses a statue of the Madonna and Child from the 15th century. But Fusignano is not only a place of history and religion: for nature lovers, there is the Ca' Belfiore forest, owned by the municipality, where you can take walks immersed in greenery.
Conclusions
In summary, Fusignano is a place worth visiting to discover its beauties, both in terms of history and nature. I recommend booking a stay on-site to deepen your knowledge of this suggestive municipality of Emilia-Romagna.
