San Pietro in Casale
San Pietro in Casale, the town in the Bologna plain
San Pietro in Casale is a small town of 12,790 inhabitants located in the Bologna plain. It is surrounded by the Navile canal and the Reno river, and can be reached from Bologna via the Galliera road or from Ferrara to the north. The warm and humid climate, classified as zone E, 2181 GR/G, characterizes this area.
The history of San Pietro in Casale
San Pietro in Casale has a long history dating back to the Roman era, as evidenced by the findings of burial stones, ancient vases, sarcophagi and gravestones. In the Middle Ages, the abbey of Nonantola referred to the plain forest called Salto Piano, which Teodalto of Modena and Reggio commanded in this area.
The name San Pietro in Casale first appears in 1223 in the ordinance of the Municipality of Bologna, which imposed on the communities of the countryside to have a headquarter of the city for military purposes. During its history, San Pietro in Casale was often threatened by enemy troops, who looted and burned the village. The weekly market was established in 1544 and became famous throughout the surrounding area.
In 1796, the proclamations of General Napoleon Bonaparte abolished local authorities other than the Senate of Bologna and gave the village and the various surrounding parishes the configuration of a real municipality. In 1861, with the unification of Italy, San Pietro in Casale became an important economic and political center.
The expansion of San Pietro in Casale
Since then, the city has undergone great transformations and has expanded considerably. The population has increased significantly, from the initial 2984 units, integrating the hamlets of Rubizzano, Maccaretolo, Gavaseto, Asia, Cenacchio, Massumatico, Poggetto, Sant'Alberto, San Benedetto and Gherghenzano. Except for the latter, these hamlets still form today the territory of San Pietro in Casale.
The city has been enriched thanks to the presence of large landowners and the emergence of a small local bourgeoisie. Today, San Pietro in Casale is known internationally for its production of cured meats, cheeses and other food products typical of the Emilia-Romagna tradition.
What to see in San Pietro in Casale
The city of San Pietro in Casale is famous for its medieval and Renaissance architecture. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the seventeenth century, is one of the most important monuments in the city. Inside, you can admire frescoes and works of art of considerable value.
Other places of interest include the Bentivoglio Palace, located in the hamlet of Maccaretolo, and the Clock Tower, dating back to 1580 and located in the main square of the city.
Events and culture in San Pietro in Casale
San Pietro in Casale is known for its cultural and folkloristic events. The Carnival of San Pietro in Casale, with its famous parade of allegorical floats, attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is also famous for its cuisine, with the Salone del Gusto and the San Martino Fair, which celebrate typical products of the area.
The Municipal Library and the Cultural Circle of San Pietro in Casale promote numerous cultural activities, including meetings with authors, art exhibitions and concerts. The city also boasts a great musical tradition, with numerous bands and orchestras animating local festivities.
Conclusions
San Pietro in Casale is a charming town, not to be missed for those visiting the Bologna plain. With its millennia-long history, its medieval and Renaissance architecture, its traditional cuisine and its cultural and folkloristic events, San Pietro in Casale offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.
