Felegara
Welcome to Felegara: Let's Discover the Hamlet of Medesano
Hi everyone! Today I'll take you on a journey of discovery to Felegara, a hamlet of Medesano municipality, in the province of Parma.
Physical Geography
Felegara is situated at the foot of the first hills of the Parmesan Apennines, on the left bank of the river Taro, where it flows into the Dordone stream. It is crossed by the Duke canal, which is covered by a cycle path.
Etymology
The name is believed to derive from the Latin word "Felix", meaning "fern", or from "Folagaria", referring to the ferns that originally populated the swamps in the area.
History
The first documented evidence of an inhabited center in Felegara dates back to 924, when it was mentioned in a document from the Cathedral Archive of Parma. In 972 or 978, the Felegara feudal lord Guarmondeo, son of Witegau, bequeathed the castle and the church to the Parma Cathedral Chapter. In the 15th century, the Duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti, assigned Felegara to the military commander Niccolò Piccinino.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The historical center of Felegara is divided into two parts, "Felghèra in fonda" or "Felghèra vecia", and "Felghèra in sima", separated by the Fidenza-Fornovo railway line. In the village, there are two separate chapels dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and Saint Lawrence. The church of Saint John the Baptist was first mentioned in 1230 and was rebuilt between 1627 and 1714; it has undergone radical renovations over the centuries and was restored between 2014 and 2016.
Floods and Diversion of the Watercourse
Felegara has suffered numerous floods throughout its history, caused by the proximity of the Dordone stream. Among the most tragic are those of 1880, 1888, and 1902. It was necessary to build embankments to protect the inhabited center, and finally, in 1970, the watercourse was diverted south of the village. However, this did not prevent other catastrophic events caused by the fury of the Taro river in 1935 and 1987.
Conclusions
Felegara is a historical location that has experienced natural events of tremendous magnitude, but has been able to rebuild itself over the centuries. Today, it is a welcoming and hospitable hamlet, with a church that has a modern design but a past steeped in stories and adventures. The beauty of its landscapes and the nature that surrounds it make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility away from the chaos of the city. We hope to have piqued your curiosity and hope to see you soon in Felegara!
