Chiesa Nuova: Church, Festivals and Rural Character

Chiesa Nuova combines a 19th-century church, older tower history, rural houses and an events calendar with fixed dates. The surrounding area is lush and rural. The buildings include the church, the parish bell tower, the Torre del Cocenno and Casa Lisi; these are joined by festivals, a food stall offering fish and local specialties, and a cycling route south to Via Chiesa Nuova. Those interested in culture will encounter sacred architecture, tower history and rural house forms here.

The Church of Chiesa Nuova

Around 1829, a new church was built in Chiesa Nuova. It was dedicated to San Giovanni Decollato. In the second half of the 19th century, it was elevated to the status of a parish church. The dedication to San Giovanni Decollato and the later elevation to parish church followed the construction around 1829.

Towers and Rural Architecture

The parish bell tower stands directly next to the church and is considered the smallest in Italy. The Torre del Cocenno also stands on the border of Chiesa Nuova. It appears to have already existed before the year 1250. The bell tower therefore stands at a different reference point from the Torre del Cocenno, which is located on the border of Chiesa Nuova. Casa Lisi is an example of the Bolognese rural house type. Further rural houses of this Bolognese type can still be found in the border area of Chiesa Nuova.

Rural Surroundings and Regional Development

Chiesa Nuova is located in lush rural surroundings. In the area of Poggio Renatico, the first agricultural estates were established around the middle of the 18th century after the marshes had been drained. The drainage of the marshes preceded the formation of these estates. In this way, the history of the landscape links the rural surroundings of Chiesa Nuova with the development of agricultural estates in the area of Poggio Renatico.

Festivals Throughout the Year

Several events shape the course of the year. The Sagra delle Rane is organized by Polisportiva Chiesa Nuova. In 2025, it will take place from July 24 to July 29 at Campo Sportivo di Chiesa Nuova (Piazza Merli). The patron saint's festival continues to take place on June 24. The Fiera di San Giovanni Battista takes place in June. The patron saint's festival and the Fiera are held in June, before the Sagra delle Rane follows at the end of July.

Regional Cuisine and Cycling Route

The local festival culture also includes the Sagra del Buon Gustaio. Fish and local specialties are offered at a food stall. Fish and local specialties are served together there as part of the event's menu.

On the “Il viaggio di Lucrezia Borgia” route, a cycling path leads south to Via Chiesa Nuova. The southern direction and Via Chiesa Nuova as the destination give the route a clear geographical line. This makes the route easy to identify when planning a cycling tour.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

For further orientation, you can also view Lido Di Volano, Voghenza, San Bartolomeo In Bosco, Monestirolo, Lido Di Pomposa, Massa Fiscaglia, Serravalle and Ca' Matte as well.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ferrara.