Poggio Renatico

Poggio Renatico is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Ferrara in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) northeast of Bologna and about 12 kilometres (7 mi) southwest of Ferrara. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 8,077 and an area of 79.8 square kilometres (30.8 sq mi). The municipality of Poggio Renatico contains the frazioni (subdivisions, mainly villages and hamlets) Chiesa Nuova, Coronella, Gallo, and Madonna Boschi. Poggio Renatico borders on the following municipalities: Baricella, Ferrara, Galliera, Malalbergo, Mirabello, Sant'Agostino, Vigarano Mainarda. History During the Middle Ages, the region of Poggio Renatico was invaded by marsh and woods, and was fortified by the rulers of Bologna through a discontinuous line of towers and castles that provided exclusive control of fishing and river trade and protection against the expansionist intentions of neighboring Ferrara. Main sights The Lambertini Castle The ancient Abbey of St. Michael the Archangel The Abbey of St. Michael the Archangel The Tower of the Uccellino, also called the Usolino The Tower of the Cocenno The Tower of the Poggio, also called that of the Ortolano or Fornasini The Tower of the Verga, also called that of the Vedrega The Clock Tower of Poggio Renatico Recent history About 5 kilometres (3 mi) outside Poggio Renatico is one of the Italian Air Force's biggest radar stations, formerly used to monitor air traffic over Yugoslavia and southern Warsaw Pact countries. In 2010 NATO controlled its air forces in southern Europe from Poggio Renatico. In March 2010 the radar base at Poggio Renatico provided military control over the airspace between the Danube delta and the Atlantic Ocean. In May 2011, this Italian Air Force radar station was used by NATO as the nerve center for coordinating air strikes during the Libyan civil war. Poggio Renatico was hit by the 2012 Emilia earthquakes. The earthquake caused the Lambertini Castle clock tower to collapse. It also damaged the dome and bell tower of the Abbey Church of St. Michael the Archangel, with heavy consequences for the local artistic heritage. A few weeks later, on 4 June 2012, the steeple of the Abbey Church of St. Michael the Archangel was demolished with explosives. Demographic changes References ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat. ^ http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/videogallery/italia/2012/06/04/crollo-campanile-diretta_6980608.html External links www.comune.poggiorenatico.fe.it/