Palagano
A hilly town in the Dragon Valley: Palagano
Palagano is a small Italian municipality located in the province of Modena in Emilia-Romagna, situated southwest of the provincial capital. With 2,062 inhabitants, this town stretches out in the valley of the Dragone river, a tributary of the Secchia river. The municipal territory is predominantly hilly, with land use primarily in agriculture, including extensive woodlands consisting of oaks, chestnuts, and evergreen oaks particularly as the land ascends in altitude. Palagano is part of the Union of Ceramic District municipalities, with headquarters in Sassuolo.
The history of Palagano
The name Palagano derives from the Latin "palaga," which means "golden nugget." Nevertheless, there is no information about any precious metal found in the area. The locality is mentioned for the first time in an ancient contract from 1144, when Palagano was one of the most populous villages in the Terra of the Abbey of Frassinoro. In 1197, it became a medieval municipality and figured among the main ones of the territory administered by the abbey.
With the decline of the Abbey, all the land to the right of the Dragone river came under the direct control of the Modenese. The counts of Gombola succeeded, and it then entered the domain of Medola, subjected to the Montecuccolis, in 1321. The dukes of Modena, Alfonso I d'Este, in 1534 invested the Mosti of Ferrara, who maintained their domain for two centuries, giving the territory the name of "Rancidoro County." In 1741, the county passed to the Sabbatini of Fanano, who remained until the French Revolution and the suppression of feudal privileges.
After joining the Kingdom of Italy, in 1869, the municipality was suppressed and administratively passed under Montefiorino. In 1957, it was once again reconstituted as an autonomous municipality. During World War II, Palagano was the scene of violent clashes between the Italian Resistance and Fascism, culminating in the massacres of Monchio, Susano, and Costrignano where, on March 18th, 1944, 136 unarmed civilians were slain by the German army as a reprisal.
The symbols of the Municipality of Palagano
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Palagano was granted by the decree of the President of the Republic on May 2nd, 1953. The Castanea with seven golden chestnuts still in the burr alludes to the woodland production of the area, while the bee is a symbol of industriousness.
Society and economy
Palagano has had a constant demographic evolution over the years. The economy of the town is mainly based on agriculture, producing chestnuts, fruit, vegetables, cereals, and wine. Furthermore, Palagano's territory is particularly suited for the cultivation of medicinal plants, such as lavender.
The administration of Palagano
The municipality of Palagano has forged numerous twinnings with other Italian and European localities, fostering cultural exchange, and the creation of commercial relationships.
Conclusion
Palagano is a small Italian municipality with 2,062 inhabitants situated in Emilia-Romagna, southwest of the provincial capital. Its millenary history is reflected in the numerous historical and artistic artifacts present in the territory, such as ancient churches and medieval towers. The economy of Palagano is mainly based on agriculture, but there are also numerous commercial and artisanal activities. The society is welcoming and hospitable, and the municipality has established close relations of friendship with other Italian and European localities.
