Marzabotto
Marzabotto: a small town with a great history
Hello everyone, today I want to talk about a small town in Emilia-Romagna: Marzabotto. Despite its small size, this village has a very important history and a truly interesting cultural heritage to discover.
Origins of the name
The name Marzabotto probably derives from the word "marzabòt" which in Bolognese dialect means "nightjar", a bird that still populates the surrounding areas today. However, there are also other theories about the origin of the name, such as the presence of barrels for the maceration of hemp or an ancient festival in March with fireworks. Whatever the truth may be, it is certain that the official name of the town was only assigned in 1880, replacing the previous "Caprara sopra Panico".
History
Antiquity
Like many places in Italy, Marzabotto has a long history behind it. On the municipal territory are the remains of an Etruscan city dating back to the 6th century BC called Kainua. It is a very interesting testimony of Padanian Etruria, which can be visited thanks to the National Etruscan Museum of Marzabotto.
Contemporary history
Unfortunately, even Marzabotto's more recent history was marked by a tragic event: the Marzabotto massacre during World War II. The town was in fact the scene of one of the worst massacres committed by the Nazis in Italy on September 29, 1944. Despite the horror of the event, Marzabotto managed to rebuild itself and today is a symbol of Italian resistance.
Honors
Precisely because of the heroism shown by its inhabitants during the war, Marzabotto was awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour for the sacrifices suffered by its populations and for its activity in the partisan struggle.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite its troubled history, Marzabotto has many places of interest to visit. Among the most important monuments are the Sacrario Martiri di Marzabotto, which commemorates the victims of the Nazi massacre, and the National Etruscan Museum of Marzabotto, where you can admire the artifacts of the ancient city of Kainua.
But that's not all: Marzabotto also boasts the Ponte delle streghe, a footbridge over the Reno river that connects the town to Lama di Reno, and the Medelana Castle, an abandoned structure that offers a suggestive and mysterious atmosphere.
Society
Demographic evolution
Marzabotto is a municipality of just over 6,800 inhabitants, but its population is constantly increasing thanks to the beauty of the territory and the quality of life offered by the Bolognese Apennines.
Ethnic groups and foreign minorities
Like many other Italian municipalities, Marzabotto also hosts communities of foreigners. As of December 31, 2009, the resident foreign population was 778 people, mainly from Morocco, Romania and Albania.
Infrastructure and transportation
Despite its mountainous location, Marzabotto is well connected to the city of Bologna thanks to the State Road 64 Porrettana and the Marzabotto train station on the Porrettana railway. Furthermore, in the municipal territory there are also the Lama di Reno and Pian di Venola stations, which make it easy and convenient to travel by train.
In conclusion, Marzabotto is a municipality worth visiting for the beauty of its territory and the history that has seen it as a protagonist. If you decide to pass through the Bologna area, do not hesitate to visit this small town: you won't regret it!
