Soragna
Welcome to Soragna: a municipality in the lowlands of Parma
Hello everyone! Today I'll be telling you about Soragna, a municipality in the lowlands of Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region. Soragna has a population of 4746 people and is made up of the hamlets of Carzeto, Castellina, and Diolo. The city is situated about 28 km west of the city of Parma and is crossed by several watercourses, including the Rovacchia stream and various artificial canals.
Discovering Soragna's Geography
Territory
The center of Soragna is located on the left bank of the Stirone stream, and the territory is mainly cultivated with cereals and wheat. There are numerous watercourses that cross the area, creating a suggestive landscape.
Climate
Soragna's climate is warm and temperate, with an annual average of 12.8 °C. Temperatures range from 33.6 °C in July to 1.3 °C in January. The yearly average precipitation level is 810 mm, with a peak of 48 mm in July and 98 mm in October.
What are the origins of the name?
The name Soragna was first mentioned in the 11th century as "Sorania," "Sorannia," and "Soranea." According to some scholars, the name derives from the Latin "nomen" Sorania, while others believe it comes from the Latin "nomen" Surus or Syrus, with the gentilic suffix of "-ania."
A Dive into Soragna's History
Origins
The territory of Soragna dates back to the Bronze Age when a pile dwelling village was founded between the 3rd millennium BC and the 2nd millennium BC. Later, the area was colonized by Gallic populations, Etruscans, and finally by the Romans, who drained the lands.
Middle Ages
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the territory was first occupied by the Goths, then by the Lombards, who founded the original village of Soragna in 712 AD in the place where Castle Soragna now stands.
In 894, the King of Italy, Arnulf of Carinthia, mentioned Soragna in his diploma, as it was located near the western border of the possessions of the Cathedral Chapter of Parma. In 962, Emperor Otto I of Saxony assigned Marquess Oberto I of the Obertenghi numerous lands in various parts of Italy, including the area between Busseto and Soragna. Later, the area was assigned to Adalberto I of Milan, the progenitor of the Pallavicino, who built Castle Soragna.
In 1077, King Henry IV of Franconia invested Hugh V of Maine and Folco I d'Este with numerous fiefs in northern Italy, including part of the territories of Soragna, Parola, Borgo San Donnino, and Noceto in the Parma area, which were assigned to Folco following the division between the two brothers.
In 1124, Marquess Oberto I Pallavicino, known as Pelavicino, became the only feudal lord of those lands, further extending them to Fontanellato and Fontanabroccola.
Conclusions
Soragna is an Italian city rich in history and culture. Its origins date back to the Bronze Age, with a succession of peoples who have contributed to making it the city we know today. The territory offers natural beauties and a warm and temperate climate. Come and discover Soragna and its fascinating past!
