CERVIA

'Cervia' is a town and commune in the province of Ravenna (Emilia-Romagna) in Italy.

Contents

History

Main sights

Transportation

External links

Sources

History

Originally called 'Ficocle', it was probably of Greek origin and was located midway from current Cervia and Ravenna. It is known that this originary settlement was destroyed in 709 by patrician Theodore for its alliance with Ravenna against the loyal Byzantines.
Later the centre was rebuilt in a more secure position, in the ''Salina''. This medieval city grew until it was provided with three fortified entrances, a Palaces of Priors, seven churches and castle (''Rocca'') which, according to the legend, was built by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The name also changed from Ficocle to Cervia, probably referring to the ''Acervi'', great amounts of salt left in the local evaporation pods. After a long series of event, it became part of the Papal States.
As the time passed, the salt pod turned into a marsh, and on November 9, 1697 Pope Innocent XII ordered it was rebuilt in a safer location. The new city had huge silos for storage of salt, containing up to 13,000 tons.
Until 1947 it was the seat of the diocese of Cervia.

Main sights

★ The Cathedral (''Santa Maria Assunta''), built in 1699-1702.

★ The Museum of Salt

★ The Communal Palace

★ St. Michael Tower

Transportation

External links

★ http://www.rivieradicervia.com www.rivieradicervia.com

★ http://www.cervia.com/default.asp www.cervia.com

Sources

1. "The World Gazetteer"