Magreta
Welcome to Magreta: the city of monuments in the province of Modena
If you are looking for a small city full of history and culture, then Magreta is the perfect place for you. Located in the foothills of the province of Modena, this suburb of Formigine can boast an extraordinary heritage of monuments and a strategic location, close to important cities such as Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Bologna.
Physical geography
Magreta is located 12 km from Modena, 23 km from Reggio Emilia, and 61 km from Bologna. In addition to its strategic location, the city is surrounded by a beautiful hilly landscape typical of the Emilian Apennines. The city has become one of the main production areas of Modena balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
History
Magreta has ancient origins, dating back to the 9th century. Here lived a noble family, the Da Magreda, who were interested in the affairs of the municipality of Modena. Over the years, the lords of Magreta clashed with those of Reggio Emilia for the division of the waters of the Secchia river. But the city of Magreta is especially famous for its castle, inherited at the end of the 12th century by the Da Magreda family, who then sold it to the dukes of Este. Over the years, the castle was partially destroyed and today only an underground part remains visible in the oratory of Santa Maddalena di Canossa.
During the renovation of the parish church in 2011, some medieval artifacts and a skeleton belonging to Don Ludovico Antonio Bartolamasi, former rector of the Church, were discovered.
Monuments
Magreta is a city full of monuments and historic sites. Among the main points of interest, stands out the parish church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a building of great beauty and architectural charm.
A few steps from the church is the parish oratory dedicated to Santa Maddalena di Canossa, which houses part of what remains of the Castle of Magreta.
Other interesting places are the tower of Colombarone, dating back to the medieval period, the chapel dedicated to San Gaetano da Thiene, and the oratory of Faustino and Giovita, the first church in Magreta which was destroyed during the Spanish invasion of the 16th century.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit Villa Carbonieri, a splendid residence that belonged to the Spezzani and Cionini families, located in via Fossa and Villa Palmieri, located in via Mazzacavallo.
What to see in Magreta
Magreta is a city that shines for its beauty and artistic heritage. Among the things to see are the beautiful hilly landscapes, the oratory of Santa Maddalena di Canossa, the parish church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the tower of Colombarone, the chapel of Tabina, and the numerous historic villas present in the city.
If you are a lover of history and culture, Magreta is the ideal place for you. Take advantage of the many opportunities to discover in this city the charm of the past and the art of the present.
