Sassuolo
Sassuolo: a city rich in history and traditions
Sassuolo is a city located in the province of Modena, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. With over 40,000 inhabitants, it is famous for its production of ceramics and tiles, industries that have made Sassuolo one of the main industrial centers in Italy.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Sassuolo is characterized by the presence of Calanco, ridges consisting of clay. These have been one of the main reasons for the city's economic development, as clay is the main source of income for ceramic production. The vegetation that grows on the slopes of the calanchi contributes to creating a unique landscape.
Climate
The climate of Sassuolo is continental, with cold winters and hot and humid summers. Snow is a particularly significant phenomenon, making the high plain of Reggio-Modena one of the snowiest areas in Northern Italy.
Origins of the Name
It is unclear where the name Sassuolo derives from. Some hypotheses suggest that the name may come from the oil that was naturally present in the area and was used as a medicine in ancient times. Other suggestions propose that the name may originate from the Latin term "saxum solum," meaning "stony soil," indicating the place where the first human settlements occurred.
History
Bronze Age
The presence of terramare in the Sassolese territory during the Bronze Age has been attested to thanks to the discovery of a terramaric settlement in the locality of Pontenuovo. This important finding occurred in 1861 thanks to the Modenese naturalist Pietro Doderlein and allowed us to observe the different stratifications of the territory.
Roman Age
Sassuolo was an important center during the Roman era, thanks to the presence of oil in the area. The sasso oil, as it was called, was used as a medicine for various illnesses.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Sassuolo was under the control of the Counts of Modena and Reggio. In 1373, the sovereignty of Sassuolo passed to the Da Sassuolo family, which contributed to the city's development.
Renaissance
During the Renaissance, Sassuolo experienced a period of great splendor thanks to the development of ceramics and tile production. Important architectural works were built, such as the Rocca di Sassuolo, the church of San Giorgio, and the Ducal Palace.
Contemporary Period
During the Napoleonic period, Sassuolo became an important city from a strategic point of view. Various public buildings were constructed, and the state road that connects Sassuolo to Modena was built.
Traditions
Sassuolo is a city rich in traditions and cultural events. One of the main events is the Torrone Festival, which takes place every year in September. During the festival, people can taste various types of nougat and typical sweets from the Modena tradition.
Conclusions
Sassuolo is a city that combines its rich history with the modernity of its industrial sectors. Thanks to its geographical position and the presence of raw materials such as clay, the city has managed to develop over the years, becoming one of the main producers of ceramics and tiles. The local tradition and culture are still very alive in the city, which manages to attract visitors from all over the world every year.
