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. Sport Pievepelago is well known as a local mountain outdoor activity centre. In winter the most practised sport is skiing, in the ski resort of S. Anna Pelago or in the bigger-ones of Abetone and Monte Cimone. In summer is well valorised trekking in the Frignano Wild Park. The excursions usually starts at the glacial lakes in Tagliole Valley up to the highest peaks of Monte Riolunato and Monte Giovo, which is the second mountain in the region for its height. Pievepelago is also known for its tennis centre, which is one of the best in Italy for structures and for the number of young tennis players who come there for summer courses. Notable people Palmiro Serafini (born 1945), ski mountaineer and cross-country skier Dina Manfredini (1897–2012), the world's oldest living person from 4 December to 17 December 2012, and 13th oldest person ever. References