Bardi, Emilia-Romagna

Bardi
Comune
Comune di Bardi

The Castle of Bardi

Coat of arms
Bardi

Location of Bardi in Italy

Coordinates: 44°38′N 9°44′E / 44.633°N 9.733°E / 44.633; 9.733
Country Italy
Region Emilia-Romagna
Province / Metropolitan city Parma (PR)
Frazioni Assirati, Bazzini, Bergazzi, Berlini, Bertonazzi, Boccolo, Bosini, Bre, Brugnoli, Caberra, Cacrovoli, Caneto, Cantiga, Caprile, Carpana, Casanova, Case Ini, Case Soprane, Cavallare, Cerreto, Chiesabianca, Cogno, Credarola, Cogno Grezzo, Comune Soprano, Costa, Cremadasca, Diamanti, Dorbora, Faccini, Faggio, Fantoni, Ferrari, Filippini, Franchini, Frassineto, Gabriellini, Gazzo, Geminiano, Granelli, Granere, Gravago, Grezzo, Lezzara, Lobbie, Moglie, Monastero, Noveglia, Osacca, Panigaro, Pareto, Piana Gazzo, Pianelletto, Pieve, Pione, Ponteceno di sopra, Romei, Roncole, Rossi, Rugarlo, Saliceto, Santa Giustina, Segarati, Sidolo, Tanugola, Taverna, Tiglio, Vicanini, Vischetto di Là, Vosina
Government
  Mayor Valentina Pontremoli (Un Idea Per Bardi)
Area
  Total 190.1 km2 (73.4 sq mi)
Elevation 625 m (2,051 ft)
Population (31 July 2011)[1]
  Total 2,355
  Density 12/km2 (32/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Bardigiani
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 43032
Dialing code 0525
Patron saint St. John the Baptist
Saint day June 24
Website Official website

Bardi is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Parma in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located about 130 kilometres (81 mi) west of Bologna and about 50 kilometres (31 mi) southwest of Parma, in the upper Ceno valley at the confluence of the rivers Ceno and Noveglia. It is dominated by the imposing Landi Castle built over a spur of red jasper.

Bardi borders the following municipalities: Bedonia, Bore, Borgo Val di Taro, Compiano, Farini, Ferriere, Morfasso, Valmozzola, Varsi.

History

According to a legend, the town's name would derive from "Bardus", or "Barrio", the last elephant of Hannibal's army, who supposedly died here during the march to Rome. Historically, the name stems from the Lombard nobility who established themselves in Bardi around 600 AD. In 1000 the bishop of Piacenza took up residence here.

In 1257 the Landi of Piacenza acquired it, remaining lord of Bardi for the following four centuries. In 1269 the castle was stormed by an army led by Alberto Fontana, and the commune of Piacenza held it until 1307, when Emperor Henry VII gave it back to Umbertino II Landi. Galeazzo I Visconti of Milan obtained a notable victory over the Guelphs in the nearby on November 29, 1321. In 1381 the Landi were declared formally independent by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, and obtained a complete autonomy in 1415.

Federico and his daughter Polissena Bardi renewed the castle in the 16th-17th century, establishing a college which lasted until 1805. In 1682 Polissena's son Dario ceded Bardi to Ranuccio II Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, and the town followed the story of the latter until the unification of Italy.

From the late 19th to 20th century, much of the town's population emigrated to France, Switzerland, Belgium and particularly Wales, where they had a notable impact on Welsh life. Today many Welsh Italians return to Emilia Romagna for short breaks and as a second home.

During World War II the area saw numerous clashes between the German occupants and the partisans, the city being bombed by 12 Stukas on July 17, 1944.

Main sights

Notable people

References

  1. All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
  2. SS Arandora Star
  3. Ceno
  4. Levy, Paul. "Berni, Aldo (1909–1997)". ODNB. Retrieved 12 June 2014.

External links

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