Gaggio Montano
Gaggio Montano: The Municipality of the Mountain Lighthouse
Gaggio Montano is a small municipality in the metropolitan city of Bologna in Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 4,827 inhabitants. The name of the municipality derives from the term "Gâg" used in the mountain dialects of Bologna, while the inhabitants of Gaggio are called "gaggesi". The symbol of the municipality is the Lighthouse of the mountain fallen, erected on the Sasso di Rocca. In this article, we will explore the history of the municipality, its monuments and places of interest, multicultural society, and economy.
History
Gaggio Montano seems to have an ancient history, dating back to the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages, the territory of Gaggio was a strategic point for trade, so it was the subject of disputes between the Municipality of Bologna and the feudal lords of the Reno valley. In the thirteenth century, a fortress was built for defensive purposes, and in the fifteenth century, it suffered destruction for its loyalty to the Municipality of Bologna. During World War II, it was the scene of various massacres committed by German troops against partisan formations and the civilian population.
Monuments and Places of Interest
One of the main monuments of Gaggio is the Church of Saints Michael the Archangel and Nazarius, built in the nineteenth century. But the true symbol of Gaggio Montano is the Lighthouse of the mountain fallen, dedicated to soldiers who died during the two world wars. Built on the Sasso di Rocca in 1952, on the project of engineer Giuseppe Rinaldi, it is the only lighthouse in the mountains in Italy. Another place of interest is the Rocca Pitigliana, an ancient village that is a fraction of the municipality.
Society
Gaggio Montano has a stable demographic evolution, with a foreign resident population of about 482 people, mainly from Romania and Morocco.
Culture
Every year, during the month of August, a competition called "As giughen la videla" takes place in Gaggio Montano. The competition takes place among the four districts in which the town is divided: Masonte, Serra, Roncole, and Fondo di Gaggio. The competition is based on a series of different tests in each edition and attracts many visitors.
Economy
Gaggio Montano is home to Saeco, an important manufacturer of coffee machines and vending machines for drinks and snacks worldwide. In the same area, Caffitaly was born and developed, a company that produces coffee machines, coffee capsules, and accessories. These companies have benefited the economy of the region and offer many jobs to residents of Gaggio Montano.
In conclusion, Gaggio Montano is a municipality with an interesting history, a rich culture, and a growing economy. The Lighthouse of the mountain fallen remains the symbol of the municipality, and the competition "As giughen la videla" attracts visitors every year. The companies Saeco and Caffitaly offer jobs to residents, contributing to the economy of the territory.
