Portile
Discovering Portile: a small village in Modena
If you're looking for a quiet place to spend a relaxing day, we recommend a visit to Portile, a village in Modena with a fascinating history and a beautiful natural environment. With only 828 inhabitants, it's a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace.
History: the Bishops' Villa of Modena and the Church of San Ruffino
Portile's history dates back to the early Middle Ages, when it was owned by the Bishop of Modena-Nonantola. In the 16th century, the Bishops' summer villa was built in the center of the village, where they spent their vacations. In 1826, the Church of San Ruffino was built, dedicated to San Rufino, Bishop of Capua, and designed in neoclassical style. In 1901, the painter from Carpi, Fermo Forti, painted the frescoes that decorate the interior of the church, while the bell tower, created by the famous architect Pietro Carani, was inaugurated in 1910.
Origin of the name: where Porcile becomes Portile
Contrary to what you might think, Portile doesn't owe its name to a port, but rather to the many Quercus trees that populated the area. These trees allowed for the breeding of pigs, which could find plenty of acorns. In the past, the area was known as "Castrum Purcili" in 1044, "Locus Purcile" in 1057 and simply "Purcile" in 1129. The word "Purcile" derives from the Latin noun porcile, meaning a place where pigs are bred. Therefore, we can say that the name Portile is closely linked to pig breeding.
Bibliographic notes
If you're interested in Portile's history, we recommend reading the book written by Luigi Parmeggiani entitled "Portile di Modena". Editrice Teic, 1981.
Other projects
If you're a nature lover, don't miss the opportunity to visit the natural oasis of Bosco della Panfilia, where you can enjoy an uncontaminated and relaxing environment, or the Fluvial Park of the Secchia and Panaro Rivers, which offers a spectacular view of the Modenese countryside. Additionally, if you're a history and art enthusiast, you can't miss a visit to the nearby city of Modena, with its numerous museums, churches, and historical monuments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with its 828 inhabitants and fascinating history, Portile is certainly a place to visit if you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing spot, but also if you're passionate about history and nature. From the frescoes of the Church of San Ruffino to the history of pig breeding, you'll find numerous opportunities to discover the beauties of the Modenese territory.
