Bedonia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Comune di Bedonia
Municipal coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Emilia-Romagna
Province	Parma
Mayor	Squeri Sergio

Elevation	500 m
Area	167 km²
Population
- Total (as of 2001)	3,810
- Density	23/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	44°30′N 09°38′E
Gentilic	Bedoniesi
Dialing code	0525
Postal code	43041
Frazioni	Alpe, Anzola, Bruschi di Sopra, Bruschi di Sotto, Calice, Caneso, Carniglia, Casaleto, Casalporino, Casalmurata, Castagna, Castagnola, Cavignaca, Ceio, Chiesiola, Cornolo, Drusco, Fontanachiosa, Foppiano, Illica, Lagasi, Le Coste, Libbia, Liveglia, Masanti di Sopra, Masanti di Sotto, Momarola, Montarsiccio, Monti, Nociveglia, Piane di Carniglia, Pilati, Ponteceno, Prato, Revoleto, Rio Merlino, Romezzano, Roncole, Scopolo, Selvola, Setterone, Spora, Strepeto, Tasola, Tomba, Travaglini, Volpara
Patron	Saint Anthony

Website: www.comune.bedonia.pr.it

Bedonia is a commune within the Province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna (Italy).

1 History
2 Main sights
3 Economy
4 Famous people
5 External links

[edit] History

The communal territory was already settled during the Neolithic age, and later was a Roman colony, under the name of Bitunia.

From the 11th century it was a fief of the bishops of Piacenza, and later of the Malaspina. In 1257 it was included in the State of the Landi, to which it belonged until 1682, when it was confiscated by the Duchy of Parma.

During the Risorgimento, the population was protagonist of an insurrectionary movement for the annexation of the country to Piedmont.

In recent times Bedonia has been given an important role as a remembrance community that contributed to the Partisan fights (during World War II).

In the life of Bedonia an important role of cultural promotion has been carried out from the Seminary, instituted in 1846 from Mons. Giovanni Agazzi and Stefano Grapnels.

[edit] Main sights

The city, just a few miles away from Liguria, is characterized by colorful buildings of obvious ligurian influence.

The city has two important churches: Sant'Antonino, a Baroque church in the historical center, and the Basilica of San Marco , which is next to the Seminario Vescovile (built in 1846). In it there is a Planetarium, a Museum of Natural History, a Xylographic Exposition, an Art Gallery and a gigantic National Library.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di S. Marco (Madonna of S. Mark), built in 1939, conserves one wooden statue created in 1531 representing the Madonna with Child on throne.

The ancient Arc of Entrance to the old town is now being included in the breathtaking system of the "Peschiera Park". Also, in Via Trieste (Trieste street) there is an important historical building that shows the Landi family symbol. It's among the most important noble constructions in the whole valley of river Taro.

Of unquestionable value are the natural resources and beautiful landscapes. North of the town, the Mountain Pelpi elevates to 1,410 meters, on top of which there is a huge cross. It's, indeed, a pilgrimage site after a miracle of the Virgin Mary occurred over a century ago. In the center of the village a river runs (Pelpirana) which converges a few miles after into the Taro River.

A few miles west, the tallest mountain (Monte Penna) elevates to about 1745 meters. It is also a pilgrimage place and a suggestive rocky peak surrounded by green forests. However the province lies between 468m and 1745m above sea level.

During recent years, many sporting structures have been built (swimming pool, camping, tennis fields, etc).

[edit] Economy

An important voice of the local economy is represented by tourism. The area is dependent on summer tourists passing by to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Although the area is not well known to many tourists the uniqueness of the area lets them enjoy the facilities in tranquility.

Once in the region you are able to make use of the modern sports complexes (swimming-pools, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, skating and football) and an equipped camping complex, which is situated on one of the most beautiful hills of the town.

Also available are mushroom picking oppourtunities which includes the world famous Porcino Valtarese.