Villa Poma
Villa Poma: A Glimpse into the Past and Present
Villa Poma is a municipality in the province of Mantova with a history and culture that dates back many centuries. In this text, we will delve into the origins of its name, the physical and anthropic geography, the history of the place, the importance of the Poma family, and lastly, the municipal merger that took place in 2017.
Origins of the Name
Before the unification with Pieve di Coriano and Revere, Villa Poma was known as Mulo, a term that derives from the Latin word "mullus," which means "wet." In 1868, in memory of the doctor and patriot Carlo Poma, who enjoyed staying at his maternal villa in the commune, the place was renamed Villa Poma.
Physical and Anthropogenic Geography
Villa Poma is located in the lower Mantuan zone of the Po Valley and is characterized by an altitude of 13 meters above sea level. The municipality is composed of the Ghisione fraction, which houses the Oratory of St. Andrew, built in 1100.
History
Over the centuries, the lower Mantuan territory was marshy and often flooded by the Po River. However, this did not prevent the birth of human settlements, especially in the area of Mulo (present-day Ghisione).
The first settlements date back a few centuries before Christ. As time passed, new settlements arose to the south of the current Ghisione.
The Poma Family
During the 19th century, the Poma family inherited much of the land of Mulo and built a villa that they used for summer stays. The most famous member of the Poma family was the doctor Carlo Poma, one of the Martyrs of Belfiore, who was killed in Mantova in 1852 by the Austrians.
The Merger of the Municipalities of Pieve di Coriano, Revere, and Villa Poma
On October 22, 2017, a referendum was held to unite the municipalities of Revere, Pieve di Coriano, and Villa Poma. The majority of voters expressed their support (56.58%) for the merger of the municipalities, and the new entity was named Borgo Mantovano.
With the merger of the municipalities, the division set up by the German authorities of the former Lombardy-Venetia Kingdom in 1816 was broken. This union is one of the many testimonies to how Villa Poma, over the centuries, has been able to remain a vital center and adapt to the changing times.
Conclusion
Villa Poma, with its history, culture, and heritage, is a place full of charm and stories that deserve to be told. The merger of the municipalities in 2017 gave further impetus to the life of the area and to future projects. For those who wish to learn more about this wonderful center, all that remains is to visit it and discover all its treasures.
