Massa
Welcome to Massa Lombarda
Hello everyone! Today we will be talking about Massa Lombarda, a beautiful town located in the province of Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna. With a population of 10,546 inhabitants, it is a quiet and picturesque town that dates back to the year 1000. We will discover its origins, its history, and the best activities to do in the area.
History
Foundation
Over the centuries, the town of Massa Lombarda has passed through many hands. Once, its territory was mostly covered in forests, and the area was depopulated. In the year 1000, the area was named "massa Sancti Pauli" and belonged to the monks of the Byzantine monastery of Santa Maria "in Cosmedin" in Ravenna. The monks founded a land network consisting of 15 plots with a parish church dedicated to San Paolo.
In the 12th century, massa Sancti Pauli was bordered to the south with Guercinoro (current border with Mordano), to the west with limes Mundus, beyond which was the "possession of Bolognano"; to the north, the ideal line of highway 253 from San Vitale to S. Agata sul Santerno, beyond which was Silva Bagnarola; to the east with the limes of S. Anastasio, beyond which were the farms Melétolo, Roncadello, and the Santerno River.
In 1164, the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa took the "massa" from the monks of Ravenna and gave it to the counts of Cunio, his vassals. They built a fortification to defend the borders of the territory where the village of Zeppa is now located. In 1235, Santa Maria in Cosmedin leased the entire territory of the "massa S. Pauli" to the municipality of Imola for a hundred years, renewable.
Expansion
The most important event in the history of Massa Lombarda occurred in the spring of 1251. When the tyrant of the Treviso Mark Ezzelino III da Romano invaded the district of Mantova, 150 families fled to Bologna to escape danger. Bologna could only accommodate 63, while 87 families remained. The matter was resolved thanks to the intervention of the Municipality of Imola, which offered the colonists the "massa Sancti Pauli". The area was still mostly uninhabited but fertile.
What to See
Churches
Massa Lombarda has many ancient and fascinating churches to visit. Among the main ones are the church of San Paolo, the oratory of the Madonna del Popolo, and the church of Sant' Agostino. Each of these churches has its own history and charm.
Museums
Massa Lombarda also has several interesting museums. The most famous is undoubtedly the Cherubino Museum, which houses an important collection of sacred art from Romagna. In addition, the Civic Museum "Alfonsino Calcagnini" exhibits ancient musical instruments and a collection of ceramics.
Local Handicraft Products
The area of Massa Lombarda is famous for its handicrafts. The ceramic tradition dates back to the time of the basilian monks, and today the city hosts numerous ceramic producers. Wrought iron craftsmanship is also very popular, and there are many shops where you can buy unique and high-quality pieces.
What to Eat
Typical Products
Massa Lombarda is a true paradise for food lovers. There are many typical products to taste, such as bitter cheese, piadina, or handmade tagliatelle. The wine in the area is also excellent.
Restaurants
There are many restaurants in Massa Lombarda where you can taste local cuisine. Some of the most famous restaurants are Il Coccio, La Scala, and Il Principe.
Annual Events
Massa Lombarda has many interesting annual events. One of the most important is the Artichoke Festival, a celebration dedicated to the extra virgin of the artichoke, which is held every year in May. In addition, in September, there is the famous San Michele fair, which is one of the largest in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Massa Lombarda is a beautiful town with a very interesting history and many things to see and do. With its excellent cuisine, ancient art, and unique culture, Massa Lombarda is definitely a place to visit. If you have the opportunity to visit this town, do not hesitate to do so - you will not regret it!
