Monteveglio

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Monteveglio (Muntvì^[1] or Måntvî^[2] in the western Bolognese dialect) is a frazione (village) in the comune (municipality) of Valsamoggia. It is located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) west of Bologna, near the Samoggia River, in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. It was an independent comune until 2014, when it merged with the neighboring municipalities of Bazzano, Valsamoggia, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, and Savigno. Monteveglio's main attractions are its pieve of Santa Maria and Oratory of San Rocco.

Etymology

The name Monteveglio may have come from the

During the Middle Ages, Monteveglio, along with other settlements, became part of a system of fortifications between the Samoggia and Panaro rivers, protecting inner Italy from the Lombards until the final conquest of Liutprand in 727.^{[citation needed]} In 728, Monteveglio joined the Duchy of Persiceta.^{[citation needed]}

In the 11th century, Monteveglio was fundamental in Countess Matilda of Tuscany's desperate resistance to Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV's invasion of Italy, after his humiliating defeat to Pope Gregory VII at Canossa.^{[citation needed]} Supposedly, it was the death of the Emperor's son in the battle at Monteveglio that proved the strength of the papal forces and prompted the invaders to retreat.^{[citation needed]}

21st century

In 2008, Monteveglio was the first Italian municipality to be recognized as a transition town.^{[citation needed]} Since 2009, it has been part of the Union of Common Samoggia Valleys.^{[citation needed]}

On 25 November 2012, a referendum was held, proposing merging Monteveglio with the neighbouring municipalities of Bazzano, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, and Savigno. The result was a "yes" vote of 51.5%. On 1 January 2014 the municipality of Valsamoggia was established.^[3]

Geography

Monteveglio is located in the Bolognese Apennines. The territory is hilly, characterized by extensive forest cover alternating with arable land.^[4] There are also badland areas characterized by intense erosion.^[5] Over the last century, Monteveglio expanded onto the foot of the 260-meter hill on which its abbey and medieval fortifications are located.^{[citation needed]}

"Abbey Hill" and the surrounding 900 hectares^[6] constitute the "Monteveglio Abbey Regional Park", which is rich in local wildlife, especially birds.

References