Rubiera: Arcades, History and Nature along the Secchia
Accommodation in Rubiera
Rubiera will appeal to you if you regard Italian architectural history, religious architecture and observing nature as equally important travel interests. Historic palazzi, churches, a memorial site and a nature-focused route open up different themes that you can weigh separately when planning. This makes the town suitable for travellers who want to explore culture not only through a single building, but through several specific traces. You can view the cultural sites individually and plan nature observation as a separate item on your itinerary.
File:Round bales at Sunset - Rubiera, Reggio Emilia, Italy - May 29, 2015 03.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Historic centre on the Via Emilia
The central street in Rubiera’s historic centre is lined with arcades. Rubiera is located on the historic Via Emilia. The Torre dell’Orologio was built in 1556 by the architect Domenico Valesino, who came from Rubiera, and restored in 1760.
Along the Via Emilia stands the Corte Ospitale, a 16th-century complex built near the ford across the Secchia to provide rest and sustenance for travellers and pilgrims. Following careful restoration, it has been used as the cultural centre of the municipality of Rubiera since 2000. The Palazzo Sacrati originated in the 14th century and was remodelled by the Sacrati family in the mid-15th century; an honour courtyard has been preserved. The Palazzo Rainusso was built in the 16th century as a monastery of the Conventuals of Madonna.
Churches, remembrance and fortifications
The Chiesa dell’Annunziata was built between 1710 and 1713 by the Brotherhood of the Annunziata. A semicircular medieval apse survives from the church of San Donnino and San Biagio, decorated with pilasters and interlaced arched friezes. Il Forte was a compact fortress with a square ground plan, a central courtyard and four bastions.
The Monumento a Don Andreoli is located at the Palazzo Sacrati, beneath the portico outside the Palazzo Sacrati on the Via Emilia Est. It commemorates the death of Don Giuseppe Andreoli, who is considered one of the first martyrs of the Italian Risorgimento.
Wetlands and nature observation
The Cassa di espansione del Fiume Secchia regional nature reserve protects restored wetlands of the former Valli di Rubiera. Because of the numerous waterbirds, the area is suitable for birdwatching and nature photography. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on nature observation or on architecture and history.
A route begins at the l’Airone environmental education centre (Casa Corradini) near the village of Fontana di Rubiera. The centre can be reached via the Via del Rivone, a side road off Provincial Road No. 85 between Rubiera and Campogalliano. You can therefore include this starting point as a separate item on your itinerary alongside Rubiera’s cultural and historical sites.
More destinations
You can discover more destinations through this selection: San Donnino Di Liguria, Vecchia, Campegine, Casalgrande, San Giovanni, Luzzara, Borzano, Fogliano
For the main travel overview: Reggio Emilia.
