Terre del Reno
The municipality of Terre del Reno is made up by the adjoining towns of Mirabello and Sant’Agostino
In the heart of Emilia's plain, between Ferrara and Bologna, Terre del Reno is a land where nature, history, countryside traditions and cultural heritage meet. Calm yet lively, it is easy to get here from the main cities of the region.
Sant’Agostino: History, Culture and Nature
Municipality of Terre del Reno, Sant’Agostino was an independent city until 2017 and it has a fascinating history that digs its roots in the first half of the 16th century. It was officially founded on January 12 1507 by two cousins, Francesco and Girolamo Bianchetti, nobles from Bologna who bought marshy land - known as La Palù - and founded a new inhabited centre on an area that would often be flooded.
The name Sant’Agostino delle Paludi is a reminder of these origins.
Throughout centuries, the Ariosti family took the Bianchetti's place ruling the land and kept the patronage over the church. The many floodings of the Reno river, especially the Rotta Panfilia in 1750, forced the inhabitants to move the religious centre to a safer area. A new location for the parish was built and today many sacred masterpieces can be seen here.
Between the 18th and 19th century some relevant restoration work took place: the church, the rectory and the bell tower were rebuilt thanks to artists and architects from Bologna, such as Giuseppe Tubertini, Jacopo Alessandro Calvi and Petronio Tadolini. In the church there is also an organ, made by Francesco Traeri in 1714.
The Panfilia Woods, located in this area, is a natural oasis relevant for its great environmental and landscape value, habitat of wildlife and centenary trees. Truffle grows here, main item in the local culinary tradition and celebrated each year at the Sagra del Tartufo, a 40 year old food event.
In 2012, this area was strongly hit by Emilia's earthquakes. In Sant'Agostino 4 people died and some historical buildings were damaged, such as the city hall and the church. In the municipality of San Carlo a rare phenomenon of sand liquefaction occurred and caused risks of ground sinking and buildings collapsing, which is what happened to Oratory Ghisilieri of the 17th century.
Mirabello: Ancient Origins and Rural Tradition
What to visit in Terre del Reno
Panfilia Woods: ideal for walks, birdwatching and natural activities.
The ancient churches of Sant’Agostino and Mirabello.
The river trails of Reno, Cavo Napoleonico and Canale Emiliano-Romagnolo.
The historical trails of the noble families of Bianchetti, Ariosti and Prosperi.
The cultural and food events, with the Sagra del Tartufo as the main event.
Terre del Reno is a land to live slowly, where history meets nature and rural tradition melts with the hospitality of its people.
