Mezzano
Welcome to Mezzano!
Hello everyone! Today I'm going to talk to you about Mezzano, a lovely village in the municipality of Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. If you're looking for a quiet and hospitable place to spend a few days, Mezzano is the place for you. The village has just over 2,800 inhabitants, but together with the surrounding areas it reaches almost 5,000. Are you ready to discover some history and natural beauties?
The meaning of the name
The name "Mezzano" comes from the Latin "media sana", which means "middle place" or "locality that is in the middle". Two theories try to explain this term: one concerns the islets that emerged from the swamps of the Padusa Valley, called "mezzane", the other concerns the position of the village, located precisely on the border between the Duchy of Ferrara and the Republic of Venice starting from 1441.
History of Mezzano
The presence of Mezzano is attested by the report "Descriptio provinciæ Romandiolæ" by Cardinal Anglico de Grimoard, of October 9, 1371, which speaks of the tiny village of San Cristoforo. Initially surrounded by the famous valleys that characterize the area, Mezzano was a laboring village linked to the course of the Lamone river. In the fifteenth century, the course of the river was modified to reclaim the valley area. In the eighteenth century, Oryza sativa, rice, began to be cultivated, while in 1908 the sugar factory was built, which was an important development hub for the territory.
How to get to Mezzano
Mezzano is located 11 km north of Ravenna, on the right bank of the Lamone river. The 16 Adriatica state road crosses the area and allows you to easily reach the village by car. Alternatively, you can take a train to Ravenna and then a bus that goes directly to Mezzano.
What to see in Mezzano
If you love nature, Mezzano is the ideal place for you. The area is surrounded by woods and hills, perfect for long walks or bike rides. The Lamone, which runs alongside the village, is a great point of reference for those who want to have a picnic or just relax in the sun. Don't miss the village church, dedicated to San Cristoforo, the patron saint of Mezzano.
Events in Mezzano
Mezzano's event calendar is quite busy. Every year, on July 25th, San Cristoforo is celebrated with a solemn mass in the church followed by the traditional carriage parade. The first weekend in September is the Polenta Festival, with food stands and traditional music and dance performances. In addition, there are various initiatives throughout the year, including exhibitions, markets, and cultural events.
Where to eat in Mezzano
If you want to taste local cuisine, Mezzano and the surrounding areas offer many possibilities. Among the specialties to try are polenta, cappelletto romagnolo, local cheeses, and cold cuts. Additionally, don't miss the delicious cakes and sweets of the area. Some of the best trattorias in the area are "La Corte di Ale", with meat specialties and an excellent value for money, and "Le Rose di Bi", which offers fish dishes and a wide selection of local wines.
Conclusion
There you have it, everything you need to know about Mezzano. I hope I've made you want to visit this charming village in Emilia-Romagna. The cuisine, nature, and history of Mezzano are just some of the things you can appreciate. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this gem of the Ravenna hinterland!
