San Felice sul Panaro
Welcome to San Felice sul Panaro!
Hello everyone! Today I want to tell you about San Felice sul Panaro, a lovely town in Emilia with a history dating back to the Terramare culture. This town, with a population of 10,691, is located in the province of Modena, about 35 kilometers northeast of the main city, and close to the towns of Mirandola and Finale Emilia.
The history of San Felice sul Panaro
San Felice sul Panaro has ancient origins dating back to the Terramare culture. The area, formerly marshy and wooded, was drained and transformed into the plain we know today by the monks of the Abbey of Nonantola starting from the 8th century. In 927, San Felice was mentioned for the first time as a fortified village, known as "Castellum Sancti Felicis." The castle became a fief of Matilda of Canossa during the Investiture Controversy, and in the following years, the village became part of the domains of the Este and Pio families. During the Renaissance, San Felice was devastated by both French and Spanish invaders. Nevertheless, San Felice experienced significant development as a commercial and agricultural center after the Unification of Italy, and its economic activities still rely on livestock farming, agribusiness, the biomedical sector, and services.
The economy of San Felice sul Panaro
The local economy of San Felice sul Panaro is mainly based on livestock farming, the agribusiness (especially in the production of cured meats), the biomedicine industry, and services. The town has not abandoned agriculture and still produces cereals such as maize and wheat, vegetables, grapes, and fruit. However, the most famous product of the area is undoubtedly the "Salame di San Felice," which has been recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and is exported all over the world.
San Felice also hosts the headquarters of "Banca Popolare di San Felice sul Panaro," one of the main local banks in the Emilia-Romagna region that since 2009 has been named "San Felice 1893 Banca Popolare."
The earthquakes of 2012
In 2012, San Felice sul Panaro was hit by an earthquake that caused severe damage, including the collapse of the clock tower, the destruction of the parish church, and the damage of the Rocca Estense fortress. Nevertheless, the inhabitants of San Felice united to rebuild the town and restore its civic life.
Visiting San Felice sul Panaro
If you are visiting Emilia-Romagna, you cannot miss a trip to San Felice sul Panaro. The town offers visitors many beauties such as the restored medieval walls, the 16th-century Municipal Palace, the San Giovanni Battista church, and the Municipal Library. In the summer, San Felice also hosts numerous festivals, gastronomic events, and cultural events to celebrate the culture and traditions of the town.
Conclusion
San Felice sul Panaro is a splendid Emilian town with a history rich in significant events. Despite the serious damage caused by the earthquake of 2012, San Felice has been able to recover and continue to prosper thanks to the commitment of its inhabitants. The production of Salame di San Felice has become famous worldwide, and the town offers beauties and attractions for visitors who love to discover Italian culture. So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit San Felice sul Panaro and discover the beauty of this wonderful Emilian town!
