Bedonia

Infobox CityIT
img_coa = 437px-Bedonia-Stemma.png official_name = Comune di Bedonia
region = Emilia-Romagna
province = Parma
elevation_m = 500
area_total_km2 = 167
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 3810
population_density_km2 =23
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|44|30|N|09|38|E
frazioni = Alpe, Anzola, Bruschi di Sopra, Bruschi di Sotto, Calice, Caneso, Carniglia, Casaleto, Casalporino, Casalmurata, Castagna, Castagnola, Cavignaca, Ceio, Chiesiola, Cornolo, Drusco, Fontanachiosa, Foppiano, Illica, Lagasi, Le Coste, Libbia, Liveglia, Masanti di Sopra, Masanti di Sotto, Momarola, Montarsiccio, Monti, Nociveglia, Piane di Carniglia, Pilati, Ponteceno, Prato, Revoleto, Rio Merlino, Romezzano, Roncole, Scopolo, Selvola, Setterone, Spora, Strepeto, Tasola, Tomba, Travaglini, Volpara
telephone = 0525
postalcode = 43041
gentilic = Bedoniesi
saint = Saint Anthony
day =
mayor = Squeri Sergio
website = [http://www.comune.bedonia.pr.it/ www.comune.bedonia.pr.it]

Bedonia is a commune within the Province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna (Italy).

History

The communal territory was already settled during the Neolithic age, and later was a Roman colony, under the name of "Bitunia".

From the 11th century it was a fief of the bishops of Piacenza, and later of the Malaspina. In 1257 it was included in the State of the Landi, to which it belonged until 1682, when it was confiscated by the Duchy of Parma.

During the Risorgimento, the population was protagonist of an insurrectionary movement for the annexation of the country to Piedmont.

In recent times Bedonia has been given an important role as a remembrance community that contributed to the Partisan fights (during World War II).

In the life of Bedonia an important role of cultural promotion has been carried out from the Seminary, instituted in 1846 from Mons. Giovanni Agazzi and Stefano Grapnels.

Main sights

The city, just a few miles away from Liguria, is characterized by colorful buildings of obvious ligurian influence.

The city has two important churches: Sant'Antonino, a Baroque church in the historical center, and the Basilica of San Marco , which is next to the Seminario Vescovile (built in 1846). In it there is a Planetarium, a Museum of Natural History, a Xylographic Exposition, an Art Gallery and a gigantic National Library.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di S. Marco (Madonna of S. Mark), built in 1939, conserves one wooden statue created in 1531 representing the "Madonna with Child on throne".

The ancient Arc of Entrance to the old town is now being included in the breathtaking system of the "Peschiera Park". Also, in Via Trieste (Trieste street) there is an important historical building that shows the Landi family symbol. It's among the most important noble constructions in the whole valley of river Taro.

Of unquestionable value are the natural resources and beautiful landscapes. North of the town, the Mountain Pelpi elevates to 1,410 meters, on top of which there is a huge cross. It's, indeed, a pilgrimage site after a miracle of the Virgin Mary occurred over a century ago.In the center of the village a river runs (Pelpirana) which converges a few miles after into the Taro River.

A few miles west, the tallest mountain (Monte Penna) elevates to about 1745 meters. It is also a pilgrimage place and a suggestive rocky peak surrounded by green forests. However the province lies between 468m and 1745m above sea level.

During recent years, many sporting structures have been built (swimming pool, camping, tennis fields, etc).

Economy

An important voice of the local economy is represented by tourism. The area is dependent on summer tourists passing by to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Although the area is not well known to many tourists the uniqueness of the area lets them enjoy the facilities in tranquility.

Once in the region you are able to make use of the modern sports complexes (swimming-pools, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, skating and football) and an equipped camping complex, which is situated on one of the most beautiful hills of the town. The swimming pool is a major tourist attraction in the town and is a pleasurable place to swim and take in the surrounding panorama.

Also available are mushroom picking oppourtunities which includes the world famous Porcino Valtarese.

Famous people

*Francesco Cura'
*Franco Nero

External links

* [http://www.amiciamici.com/1970/01/01/bedonia/] Bedonia Info
* [http://www.valtaro.it/bedonia1.htm] Valtaro
* [http://www.en.comuni-italiani.it/034/003/] Community info
* [http://www.abitatvalceno.com/bedonia/bedonia.htm] Bedonia
* [http://www.valtaro.org/info.html] Valtaro info