Sassuolo

Sassuolo is an industrial centre of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The town stands on the right bank of the river Secchia some 17 kilometres (11 mi) southwest of Modena. History The first historical mention of the town dates to 980. In 1078 the consuls of Sassuolo swore loyalty to the commune of Modena. In 1373 the city passed to the Este family at the request of the citizens themselves, who obtained the right to extract water from the river Secchia. The town was a possession of the Duchy of Modena until the 19th century. Title As a titular Duke of Modena, the current holder of the title of "Lord of Sassuolo" would theoretically be Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Archduke of Austria-Este. The 1947 Constitution of Italy explicitly does not recognize any titles of nobility, however. Main sights Among the main sights in the town is the Ducal palace of Sassuolo, designed by architect Bartolomeo Avanzini in 1634. In 1638–56 part of the interiors was frescoed by the French Baroque painter Jean Boulanger. Angelo Michele Colonna, Agostino Mitelli, Baldassare Bianchi and Giovanni Giacomo Monti were invited by Boulanger to work also on the palace decoration. Luca Colombi, Giovanni Lazzoni, Lattanzio Maschio, Guercino, Salvator Rosa, Ludovico Lana also contributed. At the ground level is a large pool surrounded by ruins, called Il fontanazzo. Economy The industrial os Sassuolo growth began in the 1950s. Presently, the city is the centre of Italian tile industry and one of the most important in the world. Eighty percent of all Italian ceramic tiles are produced here, with more than 300 ceramic factories operating in the Sassuolo district (as Marazzi Group, Refin and Marca Corona,). Famous people Pierangelo Bertoli (1942–2002), singer Andrea Bertolini (born 1973), racecar driver Caterina Caselli (born 1946), singer Fabrizio Giovanardi (born 1966), racecar driver Giuseppe Medici (1907–2000), politician Andrea Montermini (born 1964), racecar driver Davide Morandi (born 1969), Modena City Ramblers' frontman Federico Pinelli (born 1989), artist Leo Morandi (1923–2009), inventor, ceramist Nek (born 1972), singer Graziano Pattuzzi (born 1955), politician Camillo Ruini (born 1931), cardinal Sport Sassuolo is the home town of Serie A -side U.S. Sassuolo Calcio; it also includes the stadium Stadio Enzo Ricci. Volley Sassuolo is the local volleyball team. The Memorial Argo Manfredini tennis tournament is played in the city. Typical products Sassolino - anise liqueur Twin towns Irsina, Italy Morbi, India Sources External links Visit Sassuolo Tourism Informations City homepage Sassuolo 2000 Sassuolo on-line External links Media related to Sassuolo at Wikimedia Commons