Polinago
Polinago, a municipality surrounded by nature
Polinago is a municipality surrounded by nature, located in the province of Modena in Emilia-Romagna, south of the regional capital. With a population of approximately 1584 inhabitants, it is part of the Union of Frignano municipalities, which has its headquarters in Pavullo nel Frignano.
The municipal territory is predominantly hilly, with some exceptions represented by steep stretches and limestone slabs in the Gombola hamlet. The northern area is characterized by the presence of sandstone rock and soft sandy soils that have given rise to a dense forest of beech and poplar trees, in which the picturesque hamlet of Brandola is immersed. The main hamlets still include remains of ancient fortifications, built in dominant and easily defensible positions, as well evidenced by the castle of Gombola.
The wildlife present in the area is very varied. Wild boars, foxes, deer, pheasants, birds of prey, and various fish species in streams and lakes populate the place and increase the beauty of the whole area.
The history of Polinago
The ancient history of Polinago is similar to that of the entire Frignano area. Here the Ligurian populations of the Friniati and the Celtic peoples took refuge, who were fleeing from the expansion of the Roman Empire. Subsequently, other peoples arrived, driven by the advancing barbarian invasions.
The name Polinago appears for the first time in a document dating back to 931 preserved in the chapter archive of Modena. The oldest news of the Pieve of Polinago dates back instead to 1013, although at the time the center was inhabited by very few families, much smaller than several of its current hamlets.
During the Middle Ages, the area was subject to the domination of powerful families, first the counts of Gombola (of which the castle in the hamlet of Gombola remains) and then the Montecuccoli of Pavullo nel Frignano. Until the Risorgimento, Polinago was part of the duchy of Este.
After the Napoleonic period, Polinago became an autonomous municipality, except for a brief period during the 19th century, when it was annexed to the municipality of Sassuolo. During the Second World War, the municipal territory was the scene of violent conflicts, also due to the proximity to the Gothic Line, and on October 12, 1944, it suffered a Nazi reprisal and was partially destroyed.
Life in Polinago
The post-war period was characterized by strong emigration to cities in northern Italy, which depopulated the town center and most of the hamlets. However, following the progressive mechanization of agriculture and the development of the ceramic industry in nearby Sassuolo, where many Polinago commuters are employed, there is a trend towards demographic recovery.
Life in Polinago is still the rural and quiet one of the past, where you can appreciate the simple pleasures of life. The village has all the conveniences and services you need, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, a post office, a gas station, and much more.
Conclusions
Polinago is a small municipality surrounded by nature, with a very interesting history and a quiet rural life. A place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and appreciate the simple aspects of life. If you are looking for a place to spend a vacation away from the clamor of big cities, or even just a place to live your life in peace, Polinago is the perfect place for you.
