Marmorta
Hello, let me tell you about Marmorta!
Marmorta is a hamlet of Molinella, located about 4 km east of the town along the road that leads to Argenta. This village is situated in the center of the area once occupied by the "Valli di Marmorta (or Marmorto) and Argenta". This extensive swamp, which extended from the hill of Molinella to Argenta and bordered the right side of the Po di Primaro, was entirely uninhabited due to its unhealthy reputation. Therefore, some of the place names in the area are significant, such as Fossa Putrida, Canale Mortizio, and Passo del Morgone, from which the Idice and Sillaro streams also flowed.
Geography and history
It was only in the seventeenth century that there were reports of a place of worship dedicated to the Holy Cross located south of the current Marmorta in a place emerged from the waters and surrounded by some houses. And it is still possible to see the ruins of this church today. After the reclamation of the swamps, the settlement moved next to the new church where it still is today. The reclaimed area, thanks to its abundant water, was mainly cultivated for rice, making it one of the most productive rice areas in northern Italy. However, rice cultivation was gradually abandoned in favor of dry crops.
Although most of the "Valli di Marmorta and Argenta" have been reclaimed, there are still some residual valleys in the area, the main example being the Valli di Campotto. Furthermore, the area has been the site of some historical events, such as the Battle of Argenta in 1945, between the Allied and German troops, which led to the end of World War II in Italy.
Additional information
Marmorta is a very peaceful hamlet where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. There are some services in the area, including the sanctuary of Madonna del Popolo, the monumental village of Molinella, the Po Delta Park, and the Molinella Golf Club.
For foodies, this area boasts a great gastronomic tradition, particularly for the excellence of its producers of cured meats and cheeses, not to mention high-quality local wines.
Conclusions
In summary, Marmorta is a village that has a very close connection to its history and the surrounding territory. The reclamation of the swamps led to the birth of a settlement that had great economic importance thanks to its rice production, but now it is a peaceful location that presents an interesting combination of natural beauty and conservation of the cultural and historical heritage of the area. If you are looking for some peace among the beauties of the Emilia-Romagna region, Marmorta is the ideal place!
