Sant'alberto
A special place: Sant'Alberto
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a very special place that I visited during my holidays in Emilia-Romagna: Sant'Alberto.
History of Sant'Alberto
The hamlet of Sant'Alberto is located north of Ravenna, near the ancient banks of the Po di Primaro (now the Reno), and was surrounded by the Valli di Comacchio. In the past, it was a laborer's village, but thanks to the reclamation of the river Lamone, it changed identity and became a peasant town.
But the history of the place dates back even further. In 988, San Romualdo decided to found a hermitage in the area. He chose a uninhabited area where there was an island called Pereo and there he founded the hermitage. In 1001, together with Emperor Otto III, he also founded a monastery annexed to the hermitage and an Oratory dedicated to his friend Adalberto of Prague, martyred in Poland in 997. Later, a hospital was opened for pilgrims coming from the Upper Adriatic heading to Rome. In the monastery, the clerics prepared to spread the word of God in central Europe.
Even the Republic of Venice realized the importance of the place and took possession of it. They founded "mar ca mo" to control the trade of salt and foodstuffs that went up the waterway to Parma and Piacenza.
Sant'Alberto was destroyed several times, but in 1509 it became part of the Papal States and was placed in the Legation of Ravenna.
What to see in Sant'Alberto
If you decide to visit Sant'Alberto, you can't miss the Church of Sant'Alberto Magno, built in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. The visit to the church is very suggestive and you can admire works by local artists.
Furthermore, you can admire the convent and the bell tower with a very old clock. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley.
But the most interesting thing to see is definitely the Punta Alberete nature reserve. The reserve is located a few kilometers from Sant'Alberto and is a wetland of great natural importance. There are numerous species of birds, including the Common Shelduck, the Water Rail and the Kingfisher.
What to eat in Sant'Alberto
The cuisine of Sant'Alberto is typical of Romagna, famous for its tasty and genuine dishes. You can taste dishes based on piadina, homemade pasta, fresh fish, and meat.
Among the most appreciated dishes are cappelletti, lasagna with meat sauce, tagliolini with ragù, tortellini in broth, and sea fish.
One thing not to be missed are the local products, such as figs and peaches from the Reno Valley, acacia honey and dried fruit.
Conclusions
In short, Sant'Alberto is a place that deserves a visit if you pass through Emilia-Romagna. A millenary history, a suggestive church, a breathtaking nature reserve, and a tasty cuisine await you. You won't regret it!
