Altitude: m 166

 

Inhabitants: 8,533 updated to Jannuary 1, 2009

 

How to get there: From Reggio Emilia exit of the A1 motorway: National road SS63 in the direction of Castelnovo Monti. Past about 10 kms turn left towards Scandiano.

 

Tourist information: Town Hall – 0522 590211 Fax: 0522 590236

 

Useful links: All files of Albinea

  
The site of the town was already inhabited in Palaeolithic times. The area's precise origins are however uncertain. The area is made up of 3 local communities: Borzano, Montericco and Albinea. The first time they were joined together was in feudal times under the rule of the Manfredi family. In the 19th century the whole area was merged into one and given the name of Albinea following the unification of Italy. Of the three localities, there is archaeological evidence to show that Borzano, already a fortress in medieval times, was the site of much earlier human habitation. Monte Ricco (which owes its name to the fertility of its soil) has been known by different names over the years. The name Albinea itself is first found in 890 ("Curtem di Albinea cum plebe") and is the most ancient feud of the Bishop of Reggio Emilia. There is a castle and a church on every hill. They formed part of a defensive system made up of a network of towers and churches overlooking the plain to protect the lands Mathilda Countess of Canossa from Barbarian invasions.

Albinea's economy has been founded on agriculture for centuries thanks to the particular climatic conditions and the lie of the land permitting the establishment of olive plantations and large vineyards. These still contribute to the production of a famous brand of Lambrusco wine.
Albinea is an important centre for industry and small businesses as well as being an ideal tourist destination. In addition to the Albinea and Montericco castles (both privately owned) one can also admire the 10th-century Benedictine Abbey. In addition to their importance as cultural centres, these represented safe areas protected by the surrounding fortifications. There are also many villas built in the area during the last century by wealthy Reggio families, including Villa Moratti, the 18th-century Villa Calvi and Villa Arnò – this latter playing host to an important jazz festival in the summer.

Post code: 42020

Telephone area code: 0522

Market day: Mondays

Annual Fair: First Sunday in September

Distance from Reggio Emilia: 10 km
Outlying Villages: Borzano, Montericco