of Emilia Romagna

Personalities
Reggio Emilia
The seven Cervi Brothers
Reggio-Emilia was the native town of the most
representative exponents of the Italian Resistance
Movement. The seven Cervi Brothers, upright men
with deep democratic convictions, took an active
part in the Resistance by paying with their lives
for their fidelity to the ideals of freedom and social
justice that had been transmitted to them from
childhood by their father. Taken prisoners, they
were shot by the fascists on December 28, 1943.
Praticello di Gattatico, a small village that develops
few kilometres far from the city in the direction
of Parma and extends north of the Via Aemilia, is
home to the dedicated museum, that is hosted in
the same farmhouse where the brothers lived with
their father Alcide and were arrested. It cherishes
interesting documents, photos and memorabilia
connected with their historical vicissitudes, the
Italian Resistance Movement and the rural society
of the first half of the century. The museum arranges
a rich calendar of conventions, exhibitions
and cultural activities, and also hosts an important
library of history of agriculture and a precious collection
of paintings by naïf artists
Matteo Maria Boiardo
(Scandiano 1444 - Reggio Emilia 1494)
Together with Ludovico Ariosto, who was born in
Reggio-Emilia but then moved to Ferrara, Matteo
Maria Boiardo (major work: Orlando Innamorato
– Orlando in Love) was one of the most important
exponents of the Italian Romance of the late fifteenth
century. He was of noble lineage, ranking
as Count of Scandiano, and lived in an elegant
Renaissance fortress. He was born in a room on the
first floor, while the vaults of the palace were the
favourite place of the illustrious scientist Lazzaro
Spallanzani, who performed his experiments there
some centuries later. In the sixteenth century, the
ancient fortress was turned into a sumptuous palace
that made Scandiano one of the most important
Renaissance courts of that time. Nicolò dell’Abate
realized the prestigious frescoes of the eastern side
of the palace, that are now cherished by Modena’s
Estense Gallery. Between the sixteenth and the seventeenth
century, the palace got its current aspect,
and at the beginning of 1700 it was complemented
by the elegant Estense Hall, the finest room of the
fortress. Situated a short distance from Scandiano,
the fortified village of Castellarano still retains its
original medieval structure.
Matilde di Canossa
(Mantua 1046 -
Bondeno di Roncore 1115)
Matilda of Canossa, the only woman whose monumental
tomb is hosted in Saint Peter’s Basilica
in Rome together with that of Queen Christina of
Sweden, was the most representative female exponent
of the European Middle Ages, and played
a fundamental role in the conflict between Church
and State. Thanks to her mediation, the heir of
Charles the Great begged forgiveness of the Pope.
Henry IV made his way to Canossa where the Pope
was staying in the castle of Countess Matilda. He
did penance in the snow outside the castle for three
days. Finally, Pope Gregory VII gave absolution
to him. This happened in the morning of January
28, 1077, at the height of Matilda’s power. Over
the course of the next few years, Matilda tried to
reinforce and enlarge her feud until she met the
new Emperor Henry V, son of her ancient enemy,
who appointed her vice-queen of Italy in the Castle
of Bianello: For the first time in history, a political
nucleus was created in Italy that was neither
dependant on Pope nor on the Germanic imperial
power. This event is celebrated every year during
the Historical parade of Quattro Castella. Another
important event worthy of mention is the Historical
Parade of Canossa. Terre di Matilde are now the heart
of a fascinating cultural tour across the sweet
hills and gentle slopes of Reggio-Emilia, that are
still dominated by the imposing castles of the Great
Countess.
1. Historical parade dedicated to
Matilda of Canossa