Ribolla
Get to Know Ribolla, the Largest Frazione of Roccastrada!
Have you ever heard of Ribolla? It is the largest frazione (subdivision) in the municipality of Roccastrada, located in the province of Grosseto in Tuscany. With more than 2400 inhabitants, Ribolla is a very popular settlement with a rich history. In this article, we will tell you more about its history, monuments and places of interest, society, and economy.
History
The Mine and the Tragedy of 1954
Ribolla has a history dating back to ancient Rome. However, Ribolla is known primarily for its coal mine, which was active until 1954 when the largest Italian post-war mining disaster occurred. The explosion in a poorly ventilated gallery and the inadequate equipment led to the deaths of 43 workers. The community was stunned by the tragedy, and the national mourning was attended by well over 50,000 people. The mine took five years to be dismantled. Today, the remains of the mine and the monument to the miner by Vittorio Basaglia, located in the center of Ribolla in via del Parco, commemorate this tragedy.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Ribolla is a town rich in history and tourist attractions. One of the main places of interest is the Church of Saints Barbara and Paolo Apostolo. This modern parish church was consecrated in 1941 and is dedicated to the patron saints of the frazione and the municipality of Roccastrada. The church was designed by the engineer Ernesto Ganelli. Another main attraction of Ribolla is the Muracci Dam, a fortification built in the 15th century by the Republic of Siena near the Bruna river. Finally, Ribolla is also part of the Technological and Archaeological Park of the Metalliferous Hills of Grosseto, a large park that extends over several municipalities and includes the area of the Ribolla mine.
Society
Demographic Evolution
The demographic evolution of Ribolla is very interesting to know: the settlement has in fact experienced a steady increase in the number of inhabitants over the years. In 1961, Ribolla had 1872 inhabitants, while in 2011 it had over 2400. Furthermore, the frazione has never stopped growing, especially thanks to the development of tourism and the increase in economic activities.
Economy
In the 1950s, Ribolla was also known for its consumer cooperative. The cooperative was founded in 1945 as "Minatori, Operai Contadini" (MOC) and in 1959 it merged with other cooperatives from the municipalities of Roccastrada and Gavorrano to create Coop Unione Ribolla. Today the city's economy is mainly based on tourism, thanks to its geographical location and the places of interest present in the frazione.
In conclusion, Ribolla is a frazione rich in culture and history. Its steady growth since 1961 and its current population of more than 2400 inhabitants make it a sought-after destination for tourists. With its monuments and places of interest, it is a city that deserves to be visited to discover its beauty and unique history.
