Gavello
Gavello: a brief introduction
Gavello is a hamlet located in the province of Modena, Italy, and is a part of the municipality of Mirandola. Its name comes from the Secchia river, formerly known as Gabellus, which runs through the area.
The history of Gavello
The village of Gavello has a long history dating back to the 8th century when the Gabellum Castrum was donated by the Lombard king to the diocese of Modena. In the 10th century, the land was granted to Adalberto Atto of Canossa before returning to the bishop of Modena in 1038. In 1198 and 1202, the inhabitants of Gavello pledged allegiance to the municipality of Reggio Emilia. In 1551, the town was destroyed by fire, while in 1788, the population reached 641 inhabitants. During the period of the Italian Republic and the Kingdom of Italy, the Municipality of "Mortizzuolo with Gavello and San Martino in Spino" was established, which was abolished with the Restoration. In 1879, San Martino Spino and Gavello were submerged by the waters of the Po river. One of the first cooperative leagues of farmers and laborers in the lowlands of Modena was founded in the territory of Gavello, and in 1944, the partisans Luigi Gualdi and Riccardo Guandalini were killed while attempting to retrieve a machine gun.
Monuments and places of interest
The Church of San Biagio Vescovo e Martire is the main monument of Gavello. It was rebuilt in 1928 in neo-Gothic style with three naves, replacing a previous Baroque-style church, of which the baptismal font from 1669 and two polychrome marble altars are preserved. Above the altar of the Holy Crucifix is a colored papier-mâché crucifix from the 17th-18th century.
Agriculture and melon and watermelon cultivation
In the 1970s, melon and watermelon cultivation became more widespread in Gavello, as well as in the neighboring towns of San Martino Spino. The fertility of the land in Gavello has led many families to pursue agriculture.
In summary, Gavello is a hamlet of Mirandola with a long history dating back to the 8th century. The Church of San Biagio Vescovo e Martire is the main monument, while agriculture and the cultivation of melons and watermelons represent an important economic resource.
