Baganzola
Baganzola: an ancient and rich history full of archaeological evidence
Baganzola is a geographic fraction located north of the city of Parma, in the Golese district, past the Milano-Bologna highway and T.A.V. railway line. Positioned on the left side of the Parma river, this area boasts an ancient and rich history full of archaeological evidence.
As far back as 2006, important discoveries were made regarding the presence of habitation communities in the area, dating back to the Copper Age and the "Terramare," or palafitte structures of the Bronze Age (1600-1200 BC). Thanks to numerous river floods that have occurred throughout the centuries, many traces have also been unearthed from pre-Roman (Etruscan and Celtic) and Roman times (Ligurian and Roman). During the construction of the T.A.V., in fact, geophysical, surface, and stratigraphic surveys and excavations were carried out, revealing a likely rustic Roman settlement and an Iron Age settlement with a corresponding necropolis containing biconical urns.
After the fall of the Roman Empire and the ruinous Gothic War (535-553) in the 6th century, there is only scant knowledge of Baganzola until the arrival of the Lombards and subsequent agricultural and religious settlements. In 989, the king of Italy, Otto III of Saxony, confirmed to the Bishop of Parma, Sigefredo II, his rights over Parma and numerous castles and villages in the province, including "Baganciola."
The Torrione and expressions of feudal dominion
Subsequently, in March 1435, Baganzola was ceded by the Sforza to the Valeri counts, who maintained feudal rights until their abolition by Napoleon in 1805. Testifying to their dominion is the Torrione of Baganzola, the only surviving portion of the 15th-century defensive quadrilateral, represented in an ancient parchment and engraved on a brick in the same tower (1438).
The toponymy of Baganzola ("Baganzuola") is included in the Gallery of Geographic Maps at the Vatican Museums in the map depicting the Battle of Fornovo.
In 1806, during the Napoleonic administration, Baganzola became the municipal seat of the Municipality of Golese. In 1943, the entire territory of Golese was absorbed by the city of Parma, of which Baganzola is still a city district today.
Local industry and Salvarani
Baganzola has assumed a prominent role in recent decades, mainly due to the rise of important industrial activities. After a century start with predominantly agricultural activities, the district has seen the emergence of an important local furniture industry, Salvarani, which quickly became a leader in Europe in the modular kitchen sector.
Salvarani was one of the first companies in Italy to believe in sports sponsorships and expanded its international market. Salvarani also played a decisive role in the revival of local soccer by participating in the AC Parmense 1968 project, later becoming Parma AC.
Since the fall of Salvarani in 1982, the industrial area occupied by the plant near the town of Baganzola has been converted into residential areas and commercial activities, while the subsequent complex built beyond the highway has partially been replaced by the trade fair complex and partly demolished in 2009.
In conclusion, Baganzola is a geographic fraction full of historical and archaeological evidence, still preserving splendid examples of feudal architecture. Moreover, Baganzola plays a significant role in local industry, thanks to the presence of important companies that have contributed to the economic development of the district and the city of Parma.
