Ancient History The lands surrounding the Samoggia River have been inhabited since the Neolithic era, as evidenced by archaeological finds now visible in the Archaeological Museum of Bazzano. The first certain reports of settlements in the area of Monteveglio, however, date back only to the 1st century AD. At this time there were Roman villas in the area of the modern Abbey, of which very little remains, only a building within the village that bears the remains of Roman facades and columns. Origin of the Name The name Monteveglio could come from the LatinMons belli, or "Mount of War". Although phonetically feasible, the connotations are not supported by any archaeological evidence, which finds no historical Roman fortification or military presence in the area. More likely is that Monteveglio is a phonetic corruption of "Montebello". Middle Ages During the Middle Ages, Monteveglio, along with other settlements, became part of a system of fortifications between the Samoggia and Panaro rivers, protecting inner Italy from the Lombards until the final conquest of Liutprando in 727AD. In 728AD Monteveglio joined the Duchy of Persiceto. In the 11th century, Monteveglio was fundamental in Countess Matilda of Tuscany's desperate resistance to Roman Emperor Henry IV'sinvasion of Italy, following his humiliating defeat to Pope Gregory VII at Canossa. Supposedly, it was the death of the Emperor's son in the battle at Monteveglio that indicated to the Holy Roman Empire the difficulty of defeating the papacy, and a retreat of the Roman forces soon followed. 21st Century Since 2008 Monteveglio is the first Italian municipality to be recognized as a Transitional City. Since 2009 Monteveglio has been part of the Union of Common Samoggia Valleys. On 25 November 2012, a referendum was held, proposing merging Monteveglio with the neighbouring municipalities of Bazzano, Castello di Serravalle and Crespellano. Public favored returned a majority 'yes' vote of 51.5%. The new merged areas form the municipality of Valsamoggia. Remaining Historical Architecture Monteveglio is the home to the ancient pieve of Santa Maria, the main attraction of the municipality. Additionally, the village holds the Oratory of San Rocco.
Physical Geography and Environment
The municipality of Monteveglio is located in the BologneseApennines. The territory is hilly, characterized by extensive forest cover that alternates with agricultural crops areas. There are also badland areas characterized by intense erosion. The village developed over the last century at the foot of a 260-meter hill, on which the Abbey of Monteveglio and the remains of the ancient fortifications are located. The village is located 20 kilometers from Bologna and is connected to the capital through a dense network of ordinary roads. Abbey Hill and the surrounding 900 hectares constitute the Monteveglio Abbey Regional Park, which are rich in flora and fauna endemic to the area.
Surrounding settlements
Oliveto The hamlet of Monteveglio is located on a small hill a short distance from the capital. It is a village that tourists often visit because it still gives the idea of what it was like in a medieval village-castle. There are two churches, the bell tower of one of which is a cornerstone of the recycled castle, as can be seen from its mighty walls and appearance of military architecture. The most significant monument of the village is the Casa Grande del Jew, erected by the Jew Solomon, who was the first bank in the Samoggia valley. Every March, a village festival is held which is called "Funeral of the Saracca". This festival, born after the First World War among the peasants in the area, consists of a false funeral and the burying of a small coffin containing a sarin. This small fish is historically a symbol of winter austerity, during which poor people normally ate only polenta topping with sarin. At the arrival of spring, the sardo is symbolically buried, giving way to the rich spring food. Montebudello Another nearby hamlet is Montebudello, which is home to around 40 inhabitants. Monte Budello was home to an ancient church, detached from Monteveglio in around the 8th century. Monte Budello became Bolognese in 1204, and in 1227 the castle was erected there, which so many troubled events took place in the wars against the Modena, visconti and mercenaries of Bazzano. The hill is full of vineyards where excellent wine is produced, in particular the Pignoletto, and restaurants and farmhouses. The centre of Montebudello is 37 km from the centre of Bologna and 29 km from the centre of Modena. Ziribega Another hamlet of Monteveglio, Ziribega is located on the border with the municipality of Castello di Serravalle.
