When we talk about Cento, two things come to mind first of all: its historic Carnival and the fact that it is the birthplace of Guercino, one of the most important painters of the Italian seventeenth century. City of and history, Cento is located in the province of Ferrara and has played a central role in the culture and economy of the past. It is in fact considered a small capital of art, cuisine and economy, all to be discovered. So let's get to know a little more of this Emilian town on the border between Ferrara, Modena and Bologna.
Cento, a little history of the city
The city of Cento was once united with Pieve di Cento. It was only in 1376 that, by decree of Prince Bernardo de Bonnevalle, bishop of Bologna, it was separated and from that moment recognized with the status of "autonomous city". Sold, then, in 1502 by Pope Alexander VI as a dowry to Lucrezia Borgia, on the occasion of the wedding with Duke Alfonso of the Este family. At the end of the sixteenth century, however, it returned to the Papal State.
But, to tell the truth, it was a natural fact that separated the two cities: the Rhine river route, which took place in 1648. A natural event so devastating that the river bed divided the two towns in half.
In the seventeenth century it was at the center of wars, epidemics and famines like many Italian cities. Exhausted by the plague of 1630, its inhabitants decided to celebrate the carnival with a symbolic carousel. And this episode linked to its history marks the birth of this historic event.
Curiosities about Cento
There is an episode that made her famous: the momentary loss of her works of art. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the city was part of the Napoleonic kingdom. Many of his works were stolen and brought to France. Returned only in 1815 when Cento returned to the Papal state. Many works, however, did not return, among these there would be the "San Francesco d'Assisi" by Guercino, which is now in the Louvre museum, "The Glory of Paradise" also by Guercino, today at the Musée de Toulouse and other works.
Among the remaining works that can still be admired by Guercino is the "Madonna with Blessing Child" from 1628, housed in the Civic Art Gallery, which is located next to the church of San Biagio.
A city full of monuments
The art treasures and monuments of Cento are found above all in its historic center, which has long arcades typical of many cities in Emilia Romagna. Among the significant places the XNUMXth century fortress, the defensive structure built at the end of the fourteenth century by the will of the bishop of Bologna, which later became a prison. Also valuable the Municipal Theater with the facade characterized by the decoration in orange and yellow polychrome bands and by a rich terracotta ornamentation.
And then Guercino square Palazzo Comunale and the Governor's Palace wanted by the Este family, on the occasion of the marriage between Alfonso I d'Este and Lucrezia Borgia. And still there Church of the Rosary, place of election of Guercino, who designed the facade.
The earthquake in Emilia and the damaged monuments
The terrible earthquake that hit Emilia in May 2012 caused a lot of damage to some monuments. The collapsed church of San Martino di Tours in Buonacompra di Cento, and many have been damaged and closed to the public.
They await a radical restoration and their return to public use. For a period, many works of art were also moved and kept indoors, just to protect them from possible calamities.
The Carnival of Cento
We want to close by talking about the Carnival of Cento which is one of the most important and well-known events.
It is an emblem of Italianness in the world, for its parades, its floats that cross the historic center accompanied by music. And then the launch of inflatables and stuffed animals from each wagon. The last parade ends with the traditional burning of the local mask "Tasi" accompanied by a fireworks display. There are many reasons to visit this city, rich in history, art and magic.