Rio Saliceto
Welcome to San Martino in Rio, an Italian municipality in the Emilia-Romagna region
San Martino in Rio is an Italian municipality located in the Emilia-Romagna region, just 15 km east of Reggio Emilia. The municipality covers an area of 22.65 square kilometers and has a population of about 8,227 inhabitants. The territory is made up of several hamlets, including Gazzata, Marzano, Osteriola, Stiolo, and Trignano. San Martino in Rio borders Correggio to the west and north, Campogalliano to the east, and Rubiera and Reggio Emilia to the south.
The history of San Martino in Rio
The history of San Martino in Rio dates back to the Middle Ages, when Charlemagne donated these lands to the Diocese of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla. In 1050, Niccolò Maltraversi, bishop of Reggio Emilia-Guastalla, gave the territory to Boniface of Canossa. Over the years, the lands were feudalized to different noble families, including the Roberti and the Este. In 1368, the Roberti secured possession of the fiefdom thanks to the imperial investiture of Charles IV of Luxembourg. In 1501, San Martino in Rio became the center of an independent city lordship for a cadet branch of the Este family with Sigismondo I d'Este. The territory has been ruled by different noble families, including the Gonzaga, Visconti, and Barbiano di Belgiojoso. Over time, the city has experienced numerous historical events, including the siege and destruction of the castle by the Gonzaga and the destruction of many city buildings during the 2012 Emilia earthquake.
Physical geography
San Martino in Rio is located in the Po Valley, a vast flat region that extends from Piedmont to Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna. The municipality is located at an altitude of 81 meters above sea level. The territory is crossed by the Crostolo River, a tributary of the Secchia. San Martino in Rio is in a strategic location, close to important cities such as Reggio Emilia and Modena, but also to many tourist areas, including the famous art city of Florence.
Tourist attractions
San Martino in Rio is a city rich in history and monuments and is an ideal place for those who want to discover the beauty of the Emilia-Romagna region. One of the main attractions of the city is the castle, which was destroyed during the reign of Frederick Barbarossa and later rebuilt by the Roberti family. The city is also rich in churches, including the church of San Martino, the church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the church of San Giovanni Battista. In the city center, you can visit the municipal palace and the Torre Civica, an ancient watchtower dating back to the 14th century. In addition, the city is known for its delicious culinary specialties, including tortellini, cured meats, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Local events
San Martino in Rio organizes many local events throughout the year, including the festival of San Martino, which takes place every year on November 11th. During the festival, residents prepare their culinary specialties and organize parades and games for visitors. In addition, every year the city celebrates the festival of San Giovanni Battista on June 24th, with fireworks and celebrations throughout the city.
2012 Emilia earthquake
The 2012 Emilia earthquake had a strong impact on the city of San Martino in Rio. Many homes and historical buildings were severely damaged by the magnitude 6.0 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. Many families in the area had to leave their homes and move to temporary accommodations. However, the city never gave up and showed great determination in the reconstruction and repair of historical buildings and damaged infrastructure. Today, San Martino in Rio has returned to being a city full of life and vitality, ready to welcome visitors from all over the world.
