Settima
Settima: A Small Hamlet with a Great Treasure
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about Settima, a small Italian hamlet located in the province of Piacenza, in Emilia-Romagna. Although it may not be well-known, Settima has an ancient and interesting history, as well as a priceless treasure.
Physical Geography
Settima is located in the Po Valley, about two kilometers southeast of the municipal capital of Gossolengo and a little over ten kilometers south of the city of Piacenza. The hamlet is situated at an altitude of 97 meters and is close to the course of the Trebbia River. It borders the municipality of Podenzano and also includes the localities of Baselica, Ciavernasco, and Ponte Vangaro.
History
The history of Settima dates back to the Middle Ages, as shown by the presence of a church since 1123 and a castle, which in 1515 passed to the Landi family. In the 17th century, Settima was the seat of a small county, first ruled by the Giorgi counts and then assigned to the diplomat Giovanni Angelo Gazzola.
But the most interesting thing about Settima's history is the discovery of the famous Piacenza Liver. This bronze artifact, dated between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, represents a sheep's liver that bears the sky's dome and the names of the Etruscan gods. It was accidentally discovered by a farmer while plowing a field in 1877.
Monuments and Places of Interest
If you decide to visit Settima, you will have the opportunity to admire some beautiful monuments and places of interest.
Religious Architecture
The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the center of the hamlet, is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. Built in 1756 to replace a lost medieval place of worship, it features frescoes by Alberto Aspetti and Umberto Concerti. The bell tower was built between 1776 and 1785. Until 1958, it was the seat of an apostolic Vicariate. The church was restored in 1938 and 1982.
Civil Architecture
Villa Zanettini dates back to the first half of the 17th century and was built by the Giorgi Zanettini counts. Located where the aforementioned counts demolished the Settima castle to build their own residence, it is a beautiful example of ancient architecture.
Military Architecture
The Settima castle, mentioned in an investiture dating back to the 15th century, is a building in a fairly critical state of preservation, but still has a four-sided structure with towers placed on the corners. In the past, some parts of the complex were destroyed to make way for the nearby villa of the Zanettini counts. The Baselica castle, on the other hand, was built in the 15th century by Nicolino Tedeschi and takes its name from the possible presence of a rural basilica where it was built.
As you can see, Settima is a small hamlet that has a lot to offer culturally and touristically. If you are in the area, do not miss the opportunity to visit it and admire the beautiful Piacenza Liver!
