Bocca D'enza
Welcome to Bocca d'Enza: a picturesque and historic hamlet of Sorbolo Mezzani
If you are looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to spend a few days, Bocca d'Enza could be the right choice for you. This geographical hamlet is located just 20 km northeast of Parma and is a hidden gem in the flood plain area on the right bank of the Po River. In this summary, we will explore the physical geography, origin of the name, history, and places of interest in Bocca d'Enza.
Physical Geography
Bocca d'Enza extends partly within the main embankment of the Po River and partly in the flood plain area on the right bank, protected by its own consortium embankment. The settlement mainly follows the left bank of the Parmetta canal, which already had its current layout in the 17th century and is protected by locks located in the same position as before the 17th century.
Origin of the Name
Bocca d'Enza takes its name from the mouth of the Enza stream into the Po River, which used to be located near the hamlet but is now in front of Brescello. The word "Bocca" indicates the confluence of a minor watercourse into a greater volume one.
History
We are not certain about the exact founding date of Bocca d'Enza, but we know it originated after 1306 as Mezzano Inferiore, to which it is closely linked and of which it has always followed the fortunes. In the 17th century, the mouth of the Enza was close to the settlement, but over the years, it has moved further away, to a point about 3 km farther east, just north of Brescello. In 1616, the Parma stream flowed into the old bed of the Po River, confluencing into the Enza near the hamlet. This situation lasted until the 19th century when the Parma returned to flowing into the Po at Mezzano Superiore. The abandoned old bed was renamed "Parma Morta Oriented Nature Reserve." In 1763, Bocca d'Enza became part of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, after being under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Parma. With the new administrative arrangement, the hamlet was on the border of the Parma state with the Duchy of Modena and the Duchy of Milan. A customs office was set up to control those crossing the Enza to and from Ghiarole di Brescello or those crossing the Po with one of the boats located there.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
In the vicinity of the Oppi farmhouse court, stands the Oratory of Santa Anna. This oratory, improved several times (in the early 18th century and in 1928), is a very charming place of worship that is worth visiting.
Civil Architecture
The Oppi Court, privately owned, is the only building of architectural importance in Bocca d'Enza. It stands out for its characteristic two-light windows and is worth seeing.
The Bocca d'Enza pumping station deserves a visit for its historical and technological importance. It was built between 1908 and 1917 and was subsequently upgraded in 2007. The facility is located on the Parmetta canal and has ensured the drainage of rainfall also from the low-lying lands of the Mezzani and Colorno hinterland since 1910.
In conclusion, Bocca d'Enza is a fascinating and picturesque geographical hamlet of Sorbolo Mezzani, with many places of interest to visit. Come and say hello and enjoy its beauty!
