Pievepelago

Pievepelago is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Modena in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. It is about 70 kilometres (43 mi) southwest of Bologna and about 60 kilometres (37 mi) southwest of Modena. It is a tourist resort in the Modenese Apennines, crossed by the Via Vandelli. It has a population of about 2000 inhabitants, spread among the main town and its frazioni S. Anna Pelago, Roccapelago, S. Andrea Pelago and Tagliole.

History

The origins of Pievepelago are lost in the mist of the Middle Ages. The first document which attests the presence of a burgh in the valley belongs to the 10th century . The name of the village came from the presence of a church (pieve) since its early years. In the 18th century were built the Vandelli and Giardini Roads, in order to join Tuscany to the north of Italy by cutting across the Apennines. That development increased trade a lot in the valley, and brought the town greater prestige and population. During World War II Pievepelago was on the Gothic line, and many inhabitants fought as partisans to free the valley. A monument celebrating the victims of the war is located in the center of town.