Montecreto
Montecreto: A Hidden Treasure among the Mountains of Emilia-Romagna
If you're a nature lover, adventurer, and history buff, Montecreto is the perfect place for you. Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Montecreto is a town of 933 inhabitants south of Modena, surrounded by chestnut, beech, and fir forests that extend up to the peaks of the Rondinara, Cavrile, and Cervarola Mountains, at 900 meters above sea level.
The Physical Geography of Montecreto
The town overlooks the Scoltenna stream valley and is nestled around the church of San Giovanni Battista. The municipal territory extends along the right side of the valley, where the fauna is rich and one can see animals such as deer, marmots, hawks, and some wolf tracks. Montecreto's unspoilt nature offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and even the Alps.
The History of Montecreto
Montecreto has an ancient and fascinating history. In the twelfth century, the Montecreto Castle was under the power of the Gualandelli family, who handed it over to the Municipality of Modena in 1205, although they remained the lords of the town until 1277. In 1406-1408, the town was conquered and destroyed by the troops of the Marquis Nicolò III d'Este. In 1409-1410, Montecreto was rebuilt, and during this period, the convent of Dominican nuns was founded. In the sixteenth century, the current closed court form with defensive function was adopted. In the eighteenth century, Montecreto was plundered by Napoleon's troops.
Monuments and Places of Interest in Montecreto
The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a must-see attraction in Montecreto. Visitors can admire the Ballotti family chapel and enjoy a unique spiritual and cultural experience. Montecreto also has three parks to visit - the Chestnut Park, the Borella, and the Station Park - which offer a relaxing walk in nature. Furthermore, Montecreto has a winter ice skating rink that can be used even in summer for basketball games and theatrical performances. At the top of the mountain, there is a chairlift that can take tourists to the top, just 30 minutes' walk from Lake Ninfa in Sestola.
The Society of Montecreto
The population of Montecreto has remained practically constant in the last 50 years and remains a supportive and welcoming rural community. It's easy to meet kind people along the streets of the town and throughout its surrounding countryside. Montecreto is an ideal place for outdoor life and the tranquility of country life.
The Demographic Evolution of Montecreto
In the last 50 years, the population of Montecreto has remained relatively stable, with an average of just under 1,000 inhabitants.
Curiosities about Montecreto
Montecreto is an ideal place for lovers of outdoor activities. It's a perfect destination for those who love nature, adventure and sport, but also for those who want to learn about the history of this Emilia-Romagna town. However, Montecreto is also known for its recent demining episode. Following the discovery of an aerial bomb in the surrounding woods, the Montecreto area was evacuated to remove the 150kg tritonal device. The military operation was carried out safely thanks to the full involvement of local and national authorities. Fortunately, now the area is safe and open to everyone.
In summary, Montecreto is an Emilia-Romagna town where nature and history meet. With its parks, church, panoramic view, Montecreto is definitely a must-visit destination in the region. If you're looking for a guide for your next trip to Emilia-Romagna, Montecreto is the place for you.
