Reggio Emilia history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Reggio Emilia dates back to the 2nd century BC. The city was founded by the Roman consul Marcus Aemilius Lepidus approximately in 187 BC. Initially, the settlement was named Regium Lepidi in honour of its founder. It emerged as a vital strategic point on the famous Via Aemilia, which remains the main artery of the region to this day.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving city was driven by several important factors:

• Geography and Logistics: Its location on the busy route between Piacenza and Rimini made the city a key trade and transport hub in Northern Italy.
• Political Status: Receiving the status of a Roman municipium granted inhabitants citizenship and self-governance rights, which attracted artisans and merchants.
• Natural Resources: The fertile lands of the Po Valley facilitated the rapid development of agriculture and livestock farming.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Reggio was based on agriculture and trade. The city quickly became a centre for the exchange of goods between the plains and the mountain areas of the Apennines. Culturally, Roman traditions of urban planning flourished here: forums, temples, and public baths were erected. Later, with the spread of Christianity, the city became the seat of a bishop, cementing its role as the administrative and spiritual centre of the territory.

Key Milestones in the History of Reggio Emilia

• 187 BC — Roman consul Marcus Aemilius Lepidus founds the settlement of Regium Lepidi on the Via Aemilia, the predecessor of the modern city.
• 4th Century — The city becomes the centre of a diocese, acquiring the status of an important religious and administrative hub.
• 12th Century — Reggio proclaims itself a free commune, beginning a period of active self-governance and the construction of urban fortifications.
• 1289 — The rule of the d'Este dynasty begins, which would last, with brief interruptions, until the Napoleonic Wars.
• 1474 — Ludovico Ariosto, the famous Renaissance poet who brought renown to Italian literature, is born in the city.
• 1597 — Reggio becomes part of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, remaining under the power of the d'Este family.
• 7 January 1797 — In the City Hall, the green, white, and red Tricolour is officially adopted for the first time as the flag of the Cispadane Republic, becoming the prototype for the national flag of Italy.
• 1860 — Following a referendum, the city officially joins the unified Kingdom of Italy.
• 1901 — The founding of the Officine Meccaniche Reggiane factory marks the beginning of large-scale industrialisation in the region.
• 1945 — The city is awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour for its outstanding contribution to the Resistance movement.
• 1963 — Educator Loris Malaguzzi founds the first municipal schools for young children, launching the world-renowned "Reggio Emilia Approach" to education.
• 2005–2013 — The opening of futuristic bridges and the Mediopadana high-speed railway station, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, revitalises the city's image.

Key Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Reggio Emilia progressed through changing eras, each leaving its mark on the architecture, economy, and spirit of the city. Below are the main milestones that shaped the city's modern appearance and status:

• Roman Urbanism and Via Aemilia
  The foundation of the city on a consular road established its urban structure. The straight line of the Via Aemilia still divides the historical centre in half, remaining the main commercial axis and a symbol of the region's economic connection with the rest of Italy.
• Medieval Autonomy and Centre Development
  During the free commune period, the heart of the city formed—Piazza Grande (now Piazza Prampolini). The construction of the Cathedral and the Palace of the Captain of the People consolidated Reggio's administrative and religious status, turning it into an important political entity of the Middle Ages.
• Cultural Flourishing of the d'Este Era
  The long reign of the d'Este dynasty brought architectural grandeur to the city. The construction of the Basilica della Ghiara and the development of theatre arts turned Reggio into a significant cultural centre, attracting artists and poets of the time.
• Political Self-Determination (City of the Tricolour)
  The adoption of the green, white, and red flag in 1797 forever inscribed the city in Italian history. This event gave a powerful impulse to the development of national identity and made Reggio a symbol of Italian unity (Risorgimento).
• Industrial Breakthrough of the 20th Century
  The founding of the Officine Reggiane mechanical workshops in 1901 radically changed the economy. From an agrarian centre, the city transformed into an industrial hub, leading to population growth, the expansion of residential quarters (such as the Santa Croce district), and the formation of a working class.
• Social Innovations and the "Reggio Approach"
  In the post-war years, the city became the birthplace of Loris Malaguzzi's unique pedagogical system. This turned Reggio Emilia into a global centre for educational tourism, attracting thousands of educators and researchers annually and strengthening the city's brand as a socially oriented space.
• Modern Architectural Renovation
  In the early 21st century, the city stepped into the era of futurism thanks to the projects of architect Santiago Calatrava. The construction of the Mediopadana high-speed railway station and the famous sail bridges not only modernised the urban landscape but also strategically integrated Reggio into the European transport network.

Urban Layout: From Roman Castrum to Modernity

The architectural landscape of Reggio Emilia is unique in that it clearly demonstrates historical continuity. The city's layout is based on the precise grid of a Roman military camp (castrum), intersected by the ancient Via Aemilia. The historical city centre still retains a hexagonal shape, outlined by the boundaries of former fortress walls, where ring boulevards are now located.

Architectural Styles and Iconic Monuments

Walking through the city, one can trace the succession of eras through the facades of buildings and the design of squares:

• Romanesque Style and the Middle Ages
  Although many buildings have been reconstructed, the medieval spirit lives on in the main square, Piazza Prampolini (Piazza Grande). Here stand the Cathedral (Duomo) with its Romanesque mosaics in the crypt and the Palace of the Captain of the People (Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo), preserving the austere features of defensive architecture from that era.
• Renaissance and Mannerism
  The Renaissance era gifted the city the Basilica of San Prospero. Of particular note is its octagonal bell tower, designed by the famous architect Giulio Romano. It is a striking example of the transition to more complex and decorative forms.
• Baroque
  The jewel of this style in Reggio Emilia is the Basilica della Ghiara. Built in the early 17th century, it is renowned for its lavish interior, frescoes, and dome, representing one of the most important monuments of Emilian Baroque.
• Neoclassicism and Eclecticism
  In the 19th century, the city was adorned with monumental public buildings. The most outstanding example is the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre (Teatro Municipale Valli). Its majestic facade with a colonnade and the rich decor of the auditorium reflect a striving for classical harmony and imperial grandeur.

Modern Architecture: Futurism and High-Tech

In the 21st century, Reggio Emilia has become a platform for bold architectural experiments that create a contrast with the historical buildings. This stage is inextricably linked with the name of the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

His projects have radically changed the northern entrance to the city:

• Mediopadana Station: A snow-white undulating structure made of steel and glass, which has become a symbol of dynamics and movement. It is a striking example of modern organic architecture.
• The Sail Bridges (Le Vele): Three bridges spanning the motorway resemble giant musical instruments or taut sails, adding lightness and elegance to the industrial landscape.

Famous Natives and Residents of the City

Reggio Emilia has given the world a multitude of talents who have left their mark on art, science, politics, and education. Here is a list of key figures whose names are inextricably linked with the history of the city:

• Ludovico Ariosto (1474–1533) — Renaissance Poet and Playwright
  Born in Reggio Emilia when his father was the commandant of the city citadel. Author of the famous chivalric poem "Orlando Furioso", which is considered one of the pinnacles of Italian literature and influenced culture throughout Europe.
• Matteo Maria Boiardo (1441–1494) — Poet and Statesman
  Count of Scandiano, who served for a long time as the Captain (governor) of Reggio. Known as the author of the poem "Orlando Innamorato", the plot of which was later continued by Ariosto. His name symbolises the literary flourishing of the region at the d'Este court.
• Antonio Fontanesi (1818–1882) — Landscape Painter
  One of the most significant Italian painters of the 19th century, a master of romantic landscapes. He taught painting in Japan, influencing the development of Eastern art. A rich collection of his works is kept in the Civic Museums of Reggio Emilia.
• Gaetano Chierici (1819–1886) — Paleontologist and Ethnographer
  A priest and scholar who became one of the fathers of prehistoric archaeology in Italy. He founded the unique Museum of Palethnology in Reggio, where he introduced methods of systematisation and display of finds that were advanced for his time.
• Nilde Iotti (1920–1999) — Politician and Stateswoman
  A participant in the Resistance movement and one of the authors of the Italian Constitution. She became the first woman in the history of the republic to hold the post of President of the Chamber of Deputies, holding this position longer than any successor (13 years).
• Loris Malaguzzi (1920–1994) — Educator and Psychologist
  Ideologue and creator of the "Reggio Emilia Approach" educational philosophy. Thanks to his efforts, the city's system of municipal kindergartens became a benchmark for preschool education, studied by educators all over the world.
• Romolo Valli (1925–1980) — Theatre and Film Actor
  An outstanding dramatic actor who worked with directors of the calibre of Luchino Visconti and Sergio Leone. The majestic municipal theatre in the city centre, where he began his career, is named in his honour.
• Adelmo Fornaciari (Zucchero) (born 1955) — Singer and Composer
  One of the most internationally famous Italian rock musicians, born in the suburbs of Reggio. His work, combining blues, gospel, and pop music, has brought him global fame and collaborations with the greatest stars of the stage.