Dragoncello
Hello Dragoncello! A brief introduction
Dragoncello is a small hamlet in the province of Mantua, belonging to the municipality of Poggio Rusco. Although the locality is small in size, it has a rich history and culture, with a particular connection to the Second World War.
The history of Dragoncello
The history of Dragoncello dates back at least to 1082, when it was mentioned in a donation deed by the bishop of Mantua. Over the centuries that followed, the locality was described in numerous historical documents, including an inventory by the Duke of Mantua in 1542 that described a property with land, vineyards, meadows, and rural houses.
During the Second World War, Dragoncello was the scene of an important historical event. From 20 to 23 April 1945, Operation Herring took place, an action of infiltration and sabotage involving the Allied and co-belligerent forces against the Nazi-Fascist army. The operation represented the only wartime parachute drop carried out in Italy by Italian paratroopers.
Monuments and places of interest
One of the most interesting places in Dragoncello is the memorial of Operation Herring, built in 1960 to commemorate the historical event that involved the locality. Not far from the memorial is also the altar of the Italian paratroopers, inaugurated in 1965. Both monuments were built to remember the commitment of paratroopers in the Second World War.
But Dragoncello is not just a place of historical memory. Between the late 1960s and the mid-1970s, the church of Maria Ausiliatrice and Santa Maria Maddalena was built, a splendid building designed by the architect Lino Morselli. Also noteworthy is the monument dedicated to four paratroopers who were initially reported missing in Operation Herring, located in the nearby hamlet of Fienil dei Frati.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Dragoncello is a small hamlet with a great history. Thanks to its proximity to Operation Herring, the locality has become a reference point for Italian historical memory and a place of great interest for history enthusiasts and curious tourists. If you find yourself in the surroundings of Mantua, do not hesitate to visit Dragoncello and discover all its hidden treasures!
