Ruda
Ruda: a small town with Longobard-Germanic charm
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Ruda, a small but charming town located in the heart of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, in northeastern Italy. The name of the capital, the ancient "Riuda", is very likely of Longobard-Germanic origin, and its history was marked by events such as the invasions of the Hungarians in the Middle Ages and the reconstruction of buildings by the Crusading Knights.
History of Ruda: from the 7th/8th century to today
According to reliable sources, the foundation of Ruda dates back to the 7th or 8th century, but over time the town suffered several destructions, including that by the Hungarians. However, thanks to the tenacity of its inhabitants, Ruda was rebuilt and became one of the main passages for German pilgrims heading towards the Holy Sepulchre.
Symbols of Ruda: coat of arms and flag
Not everyone knows that the coat of arms and flag of Ruda were granted by royal decree on May 10, 1938. The flag consists of a blue drapery with a yellow pole, while the coat of arms represents a black double-headed eagle on a silver shield, surrounded by the inscription "Comune di Ruda".
Places of interest in Ruda
Despite its modest size, Ruda offers several tourist attractions. Among the main places of interest in the city we find:
- The Castle of Saciletto, located on the hill of Saciletto. It was built in the second half of the 15th century and still hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
- Villa Iachia, located southwest of Ruda on the banks of the Torre river, is an ancient noble residence in Renaissance style, characterized by splendid gardens and fountains.
- The Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire, located in the historic center of the city, is a Catholic church dating back to the 15th century that contains important works of art such as the canvas depicting the Madonna and Child by Giovanni Antonio de' Sacchis.
- The Monumental Chapel in Perteole, designed by architect Provino Valle, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.
- The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Saciletto dates back to the 15th century and is an important example of religious architecture.
- The Chiozza Amideria in Perteole, an old corn factory, now transformed into a museum devoted to the history of starch.
The society of Ruda
Today Ruda has a population of 2782 inhabitants, and its demographic evolution has undergone some fluctuations over the years, but the city continues to be a welcoming place rich in culture. The official language is Italian, but a large part of the population also speaks Friulian, a Latin origin language belonging to the Romance language group.
Culture and events in Ruda
With regard to culture, Ruda hosts several choirs and musical groups, including the Claudio Monteverdi Polyphonic Group. The city is also the venue for numerous events including the "Palio dei Borghi", a competition that takes place every two years between the four districts of Ruda (Brichis, Dota, Menteressa and Nordisa) and involves various specialties such as dance and soccer competitions, games for children and adults, and much more. Another highly anticipated festival is the "Sagra dai Cros", organized every summer by Calcio Ruda, where you can taste the famous fried frogs and other local delicacies.
The administration of Ruda
The administration of Ruda is organized as follows:
- Mayor: Enrico Gabrielli
- Municipal Council: Vittorio Cavazza, Andrea Di Bartolomeo, Loredana Franceschini, Pasquale Rizzi, Beatrice Turetta
- City Council: 12 members
Conclusions
Ruda is a small town with great charm, where history, culture, and ancient traditions coexist. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Ruda and its splendid monuments, including the Castle of Saciletto and the Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire. If you are in the area, do not miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful city!
