Savignano sul Panaro
Welcome to Savignano sul Panaro!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Savignano sul Panaro, a municipality in the province of Modena, located in Emilia-Romagna. With its 9,541 inhabitants, it is a small town with a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere, immersed in the hilly terrain of the Emiliano Apennines. But let's get to know this little gem of Italy better!
Physical geography
Savignano sul Panaro covers an area of 25 km², bordering San Cesario sul Panaro to the north, Valsamoggia to the east, and Guiglia to the south. To the west, the Panaro River marks the border with Marano sul Panaro, Vignola, and Spilamberto. The territory extends from the hills up to 400 meters above sea level, offering visitors breathtaking views and the impression of being immersed in unspoiled nature.
History
Savignano sul Panaro has an ancient and fascinating history. One of the earliest memories of this place is the famous "Placito Curte Saviniano" held in 898 by Emperor Ludovico II the Younger. Until the 8th century, the castle and the district of Savignano were included in the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Modena, until the King of Italy Pepino d'Italia replaced the bishop in the management. In 1022, the Bishop of Modena Ingone gave the Court of Savignano and the castle to the Marquis Bonifacio di Canossa and then to his daughter Matilde. After her death, Savignano came under the power of the Bishop of Modena Dodone and later became part of Bologna in 1143, although the powerful Pepoli family remained. In the castle, a noble family of Savignano had formed, with illustrious figures such as Bonaventura, a lawyer of the Church, and Ugolino da Savignano, who was podestà in both Parma and Perugia. After being in possession of the Municipality of Modena, in 1299 the castle was conquered by the Bolognese. In 1360, instead, the fortress was under the dominion of the Estensi family and subsequently given to the de Contrari family. In 1408, the Marquis Niccolò III d'Este instead gave it to the Boncompagni family.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Savignano sul Panaro is rich in monuments and places of interest, including the Castle of Savignano, located at the top of the town's hill, dominating the rest of the town. Admiring its walls, you can notice the different phases of construction, from bricks to pebbles. The Museum of Peasant Culture is a place that will tell you the story of the local peasant population up to the 20th century. The Church of San Giorgio is a Renaissance church with important frescoes. La Rizza Nature Reserve is a walk immersed in nature, suitable for all those who love outdoor activities.
Events
Every year, Savignano sul Panaro organizes various events, including the traditional Palio dei Rioni, a competition between the four districts of the town that revolves around an archery and local cuisine competition. In winter, it is possible to visit the Christmas market, where you can taste local delicacies while shopping.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Savignano sul Panaro never disappoints! The typical dishes are those of peasant tradition, with simple but genuine ingredients: bean soup, pumpkin ravioli, cotechino sausage with lentils, and polenta made with maize flour. But the specialty of the town is undoubtedly cherries, considered among the best in Italy. I also recommend trying the traditional desserts of the area, such as panpepato and aniseed biscuits.
Conclusions
Savignano sul Panaro is a town worth visiting, both for the beauty of the hilly terrain and for its history and culture. The population is always ready to welcome tourists and visitors, offering them the opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of the town. I invite you, therefore, to come and visit this surprising town in Emilia-Romagna!
