Reggio Emilia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reggio Emilia Rèz  (Emilian)
Comune
Comune di Reggio nell'Emilia
Piazza San Prospero in Reggio Emilia
Flag Coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Emilia-Romagna
Province	Reggio Emilia (RE)
Frazioni	see list
Area
• Total	231 km2 (89 sq mi)
Elevation	58 m (190 ft)
Population  (31 December 2017)
• Total	171,944
• Density	744.3/km2 (1,928/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Reggiano
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	42121-42122-42123-42124
Dialing code	0522
Patron saint	San Prospero
Saint day	November 24

Reggio nell'Emilia, often called Reggio Emilia, is a city in northern Italy. It's located in the Emilia-Romagna region. About 171,944 people live there, making it the main city in the Province of Reggio Emilia. People from Reggio Emilia are called Reggiani.

The older part of the city is shaped like a hexagon. This shape comes from its ancient walls. Many of the main buildings were built in the 1500s and 1600s. The city is built on a flat plain, with the Crostolo stream flowing through it.

History of Reggio Emilia

Ancient Times and Early Middle Ages

Reggio Emilia started as an important place when the Via Aemilia road was built in 187 BC. This road connected Piacenza to Rimini. Reggio became a center for law and was first called Regium Lepidi, then just Regium. This is where the city's name comes from today.

During the Roman Empire, Reggio was a busy city. It had its own rules, leaders, and art schools. Apollinaris of Ravenna brought Christianity here in the 1st century CE. After the Roman Empire declined, the city was damaged by invaders. In 569, the Lombards took over, and Reggio became the seat of a duchy.

In 773, the Franks took control. Charlemagne gave the local bishop power over the city. In 899, the Magyars attacked, causing a lot of damage. New walls were built to protect the city. In 1002, Reggio's land joined other areas to form the March of Tuscany.

Becoming a Free City

Reggio became a free city, or commune, around the late 1000s or early 1100s. In 1167, it joined the Lombard League, a group of cities that fought against the Holy Roman Emperor. Reggio took part in the famous Battle of Legnano. After signing a peace treaty in 1183, the city became very successful. It created its own laws, had its own money, and developed schools and trades.

However, the 1100s and 1200s were also a time of fighting within the city. Different groups, like the nobles and common people, often argued. Reggio also fought with nearby cities like Parma and Modena. In 1260, a large group of penitents (people showing sorrow for their sins) came to the city. This brought a short period of peace and religious feeling. But soon, arguments started again.

To stop powerful families from taking over, the city leaders gave control to Obizzo II d'Este for three years. This decision led to the House of Este ruling Reggio for a long time. In 1306, Obizzo's son, Azzo, was kicked out, and the city became a republic ruled by its people. But this republic didn't last long. In 1326, Reggio became part of the Papal States.

The city then passed through the hands of different rulers, including the Visconti of Milan and the Gonzaga family. In 1405, Nicolò III d'Este took control, and Reggio kept some of its independence, with its own laws and coins.

The Duchy of Reggio

In 1452, Borso d'Este was given the title of Duke of Modena and Reggio. His successor, Ercole I, placed the poet Matteo Maria Boiardo as governor. Later, another famous Italian writer, Francesco Guicciardini, held the same job. In 1474, Ludovico Ariosto, who wrote Orlando Furioso, was born in Reggio. He later became governor of the city himself.

In 1513, Reggio was given to Pope Julius II. But it was returned to the Este family in 1523. In 1551, Ercole II d'Este destroyed parts of the city's outer areas to rebuild the walls. Towards the end of the 1500s, work began on the famous Basilica della Ghiara, where a miracle was believed to have happened. The Este family ruled until 1796.

Napoleonic Era and Return to Old Rule

When French republican troops arrived in 1796, the people of Reggio were very excited. The city's leaders took control. On September 26, 1796, volunteers from Reggio fought off Austrian soldiers in a small battle. This fight is seen as the first one of the Italian Risorgimento, which was the movement to unite Italy. Napoleon himself gave the Reggiani 500 rifles and 4 cannons.

Later, Napoleon created a new province called the Cispadane Republic. This republic was declared in Reggio on January 7, 1797. On this day, the Italian national flag, known as Il Tricolore (the three-color flag), was sewn by women from Reggio. During this time, a Polish soldier, Jozef Wybicki, wrote the Mazurek Dąbrowskiego in Reggio, which later became the Polish national anthem.

In 1815, after Napoleon's defeat, Reggio was given back to Francis IV of Austria-Este. In 1831, Modena rebelled, and Reggio joined in. But the Duke quickly took the city back. In 1848, Duke Francis V left, and Reggio decided to join Piedmont. However, after Piedmont's defeat, the city returned to Este control. Finally, in 1859, Reggio became part of the united Italy.

Modern History

After Italy was united, Reggio experienced a time of growth. Its old walls were removed. By 1911, it had 70,000 people. The city also developed a strong socialist tradition. On July 26, 1943, when the fascist government fell, the people of Reggio celebrated. Many partisan groups formed in the city and nearby areas to fight against the occupation during World War II.

In 2023, Reggio Emilia won a prize called "European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity."

Jewish History in Reggio Emilia

Jewish people started coming to Reggio in the early 1400s. Many were Sephardim who were escaping religious persecution from Spain, Portugal, and other parts of Italy. The Jewish community grew and did well for several centuries. The Synagogue of Reggio Emilia was moved in 1672 and rebuilt in 1858.

After the Napoleonic era, Jewish people in Reggio gained more rights. Many moved to other parts of Europe to find more economic and social freedom. Because of this, the Jewish community in Reggio became smaller. The German occupation during World War II and the Holocaust caused the community to shrink even more. Today, only one Jewish person remains in Reggio Emilia. The Jewish Community of Reggio Emilia joined with Modena's. However, an unused synagogue and a burial ground still exist. In 2016, the City Council placed small street plates in front of the homes of Jewish people who were deported, to help remember them.

Climate and Weather

Reggio Emilia has a temperate continental climate. Summers are hot and often humid, with temperatures sometimes going above 35°C (95°F). Winters are quite cold with frequent frosts, and temperatures can drop below -10°C (14°F). Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year, but October, November, and April are usually the wettest months. July and January are the driest.

Snow is rare in the city, but it does snow almost every year. However, it often doesn't stay on the ground for long because of the warmer temperatures. In autumn and winter, especially outside the city, thick fog is common, though less so than in the past. Other weather events include heavy rain, freezing rain in winter, and hail in summer.

The area is not very windy. There are often calm days, especially in winter. Spring tends to be windier. The strongest winds come from the North-East (Bora) or South-West (Libeccio). The average high temperature in Reggio Emilia is 18°C (64°F), the average low is 9°C (48°F), and the average rainfall is 700 mm (27.5 inches) per year.

Education for Children

The Reggio Emilia approach is a famous way of teaching young children. It was started by schools in Reggio Emilia after World War II and is now known all over the world. This method is based on ideas from thinkers like Malaguzzi, Bruner, and Piaget. Reggio Emilia is home to the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre. This modern center helps share and spread the Reggio Emilia approach globally.

Economy and Industry

For a long time, the economy of Reggio Emilia was mostly based on farming. One very famous product made here is Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Another is Lambrusco wine. Reggio Emilia also produces "Balsamic Vinegar," which is used on salads, cheese, strawberries, and many other foods.

In the 1900s, Reggio Emilia saw a quick growth of small and medium-sized businesses. Many of these were in the field of farm machinery. For over 100 years, there has been a strong tradition of supporting cooperatives, which are businesses owned and run by their members. These include consumer, building, and banking cooperatives. New developments in mechanics and computer technology have led to new companies working in mechatronics (a mix of mechanics and electronics).

Another important industry is ceramic tiles, mainly found in the areas of Scandiano and Casalgrande. Other leading industries include:

• Electronics (Cellular Line, Phonocar, RCF audio)
• Finance (Credito Emiliano)
• Fashion (Marina Rinaldi, Max Mara)
• Food (Newlat)
• Machinery (ARGO SpA, Emak, Interpump Group, Landi Renzo, Lombardini S.r.l.; Preston & Barbieri, Smeg (appliances))
• Utilities (Iren [it])

This industrial growth has brought many immigrants to the area from North and Central Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Far East (like China, Pakistan, and India). About 25% of the people in the province are immigrants. Studies on the quality of life show that Reggio Emilia has been a great place to live in recent years.

Getting Around: Transport

The main Reggio Emilia railway station opened in 1859. It is part of the Milan–Bologna railway line. It also connects Reggio Emilia to three smaller railway lines that go to Ciano d'Enza, Guastalla, and Sassuolo. This station is located at Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, on the eastern edge of the city center.

Another important train station is Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana railway station. This station is on the high-speed railway line between Milan and Bologna. It's about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of the city center.

There are also plans to build a tram system in the city. The tram will run from the Mancasale Industrial zone in the north to Rivalta in the south. It will stop at both the high-speed train station and the main railway station, as well as other neighborhoods. The tram system is expected to open in 2026.

Sports in Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia is home to several professional sports teams and venues:

• Pallacanestro Reggiana: A basketball team that plays in Serie A, Italy's top league. They have won one Italian Supercup and one Eurochallenge.
• A.C. Reggiana 1919: A football (soccer) team that plays in Serie C.
• Rugby Reggio: A rugby team that plays in Eccellenza, Italy's top rugby division.
• Volley Tricolore: A volleyball team that plays in Serie A2.
• Kaos Reggio Emilia: A futsal (indoor football) team that plays in Serie A. It was formed in 2017 by combining two teams.

The main sports venues in the city are:

• Stadio Città del Tricolore: A stadium with a capacity of 23,717. It's home to Reggiana and U.S. Sassuolo football games.
• PalaBigi: An indoor arena with a capacity of 4,500, located in the city center.
• Stadio Mirabello: Another stadium in the city center, also with a capacity of 4,500.

Main Places to See

Religious Buildings

• Basilica della Ghiara: This is the main church in the city. It was started in 1597 and finished in the Baroque style.
• Basilica di San Prospero: Built in the 900s and named after Prosper of Reggio, a bishop of the city. It was rebuilt between 1514 and 1523. The front of the church has eleven statues of saints. It also has a nice, unfinished tower. Inside, you can see a beautiful fresco called Last Judgement by Camillo Procaccini.
• Cathedral: Built between the 800s and 1100s. It was rebuilt in the late 1500s. It has three naves (sections) with artworks by famous artists like Guercino.
• Sant'Agostino: This church was rebuilt in 1268. The inside was redone between 1645 and 1666. Its restored theater hosted Model European Parliament sessions in 2015.
• San Giorgio: A Baroque church with a dome, built in 1746.
• Santi Pietro Apostolo e Prospero Vescovo: This church was designed in 1586. It has a single nave and features notable Baroque paintings.
• Synagogue of Reggio Emilia: Rebuilt in 1845.

Other Interesting Buildings

• Palazzo Comunale: This building was started in 1414. It contains the Tricolore Hall and the Museum of the Italian Flag. This is where the Italian flag was first adopted!
• Teatro Municipale: A beautiful Neoclassical building that serves as the city's main theater.
• Palazzo Ducale: An 18th-century palace.
• Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo: Built in 1280, this palace was restored several times. It has a large hall called the Sala dei Difensori (Defenders' Room), which was once used for city councils.

Modern Bridges

• Autostrada A1 bridges: These are three bridges designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2005–2006. They connect the main Italian highway (Autostrada del Sole A1) to Reggio Emilia. A central arch bridge goes over the high-speed railway and the motorway. Two other bridges are at each end, connecting to the nearby high-speed train station. In 2009, these bridges won a European Steel Design Award. The judges said the twin bridges looked like "huge musical instruments."

Famous People from Reggio Emilia

Many talented people have come from or lived in Reggio Emilia:

• Ludovico Ariosto: A famous poet.
• Carlo Ancelotti: A well-known football (soccer) manager and former player.
• Kobe Bryant: The famous American basketball player lived in Reggio Emilia when he was young.
• Zucchero Fornaciari: A popular singer.
• Luciano Ligabue: A famous singer.
• Romano Prodi: An economist and politician who served as Prime Minister of Italy.
• Lazzaro Spallanzani: An important scientist.
• Cesare Zavattini: A writer and painter.

Neighborhoods and Hamlets

Reggio Emilia is made up of several smaller areas.

Frazioni (Hamlets)

These are smaller villages or areas outside the main city center:

• Bagno
• Cadè
• Canali
• Cavazzoli
• Cella
• Coviolo
• Fogliano
• Gavassa
• Mancasale
• Rivalta
• San Maurizio
• Sesso

Boroughs (City Neighborhoods)

These are parts of the main city:

• Acque Chiare
• Baragalla
• Canalina
• Centro Storico (Historical Centre)
• Ospedale (Hospital)
• Ospizio
• Quartier Giardino
• Rosta Nuova
• Stazione (Railway station)

International Connections

Reggio Emilia is a "pilot city" for the Council of Europe and the European Commission's Intercultural cities program. This means it works on projects to help people from different cultures live together well. Reggio Emilia is also a member of the Eurotowns network.

Twin Towns and Sister Cities

Reggio Emilia has special connections with other cities around the world:

• Beit Jala, Palestine
• Bydgoszcz, Poland
• Chișinău, Moldova
• Dijon, France
• Fort Worth, United States
• Girona, Spain
• Kragujevac, Serbia
• Pemba, Mozambique
• Polokwane, South Africa
• Schwerin, Germany
• Zadar, Croatia

Friendship Cities

Reggio Emilia also has friendship agreements with:

• Ekurhuleni, South Africa
• Nablus, Palestine
• Rio Branco, Brazil
• Rizhao, China

Images for kids

• 

  Panorama with basilica della Ghiara.

• 

  The defence of the Carroccio during the battle of Legnano (1176) by Amos Cassioli (1832–1891)

• 

  Palazzo del Monte in Piazza del Duomo, with the Fountain of River Crostolo.

• 

  Piazza Prampolini.

• 

  The Baroque church of San Giorgio.

• 

  The "Tricolore's Room", in the Town Hall, is where for the first time the current Italian flag's three colours were adopted.

• 

  Villa Levi (now belonging a Department of Animal Sciences of University of Bologna).

• 

  Piazza San Prospero seen from the patron saint's basilica.

• 

  Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara

• 

  Greater cloister of Saint Peter

• 

  Old town street

• 

  Palazzo Ducale

See also

In Spanish: Reggio Emilia para niños