Villafranca
Welcome to Villafranca: A Fertile Hamlet in the Modena Countryside
Villafranca is a beautiful hamlet located within the municipality of Medolla, in the province of Modena. The locality extends for about 1.6 km from the municipal capital, between the SS 12 dell'Abetone and del Brennero and the former Saliceta forest. The area is very fertile and, in fact, is used for the cultivation of cereals, beets, and orchards.
The History of Villafranca
Villafranca has a very ancient past: the locality was part of the possessions of the Abbey of Nonantola and was dependent on the court of Roncaglia, as confirmed by a document from 1273. However, the toponym of the locality suggests that its origins are even more remote and that it may have enjoyed tax and customs exemptions. In the 12th century, Villafranca was a lordship in which the Bozzalini family was enfeoffed.
In 1318, Rinaldo dei Bonacolsi, also known as Duke Passerino, destroyed the castle of Villafranca and even its salt was scattered over the ruins. Following the death of Duke Passerino, the Bozzalini family rebuilt the castle which, in 1335, was sold to the Marquis Nicolò d'Este. Throughout its history, Villafranca has undergone several changes: in 1797, during the Napoleonic era, the Municipality of Roncaglio di Sotto was established in the Department of Panaro and included Villafranca, while later the locality was incorporated into the District of Mirandola.
The Modena-Mirandola Railway
On September 16, 1883, the Cavezzo-Villafranca station of the Modena-Mirandola railway was inaugurated, and on October 4, 1944, the wagons in Villafranca were hit. During World War II, the railway junction of the station became a strategic target for the Allied forces and suffered numerous attacks and bombings. There were also numerous casualties, including the parish priest of Quarantoli, Don Alberto Fedozzi. After the war, the railway resumed service in August 1945, but was dismantled in 1964.
Monuments and Places of Interest in Villafranca
Villafranca is rich in monuments and places of interest to visit, including the following religious architectures:
- Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle (Medolla): dating back to 1313, it is mentioned in the will of the noblewoman Margherita del Fante from 1353. In the 18th century, the church was completely rebuilt, with a classical style façade and a single nave interior that still preserves the altar of the Blessed Virgin of Grace from 1621, with a painting by Francesco Malagoli from 1737.
Partisans and Fighting
During World War II, Villafranca was also the scene of clashes between partisans and Nazi-fascists. On April 22, 1945, partisans Webben Facchini, Ferdinando Bergamini and Ernani Barbieri died in combat, in a firefight with Nazi-fascists.
Conclusions
Villafranca is truly a fascinating locality, whose origins go back to ancient times. The locality is rich in history, bucolic landscapes, and religious monuments of great artistic value. It attracts visitors with the charm of a fertile land and a past full of stories and events. We invite you to discover Villafranca and its cultural treasures.
