Poggio Rusco (MN) - Lombardy

The oldest official document in which the toponym "Podium" is expressly named, today's Poggio Rusco dates back to 1332... #tuttitaly

Position📍

Poggio Rusco extends in the southeastern part of the Mantuan Oltrepò, just 2 km from the province of Modena.

The Municipality was called Poggio until 1867. To distinguish itself, it had to adopt the determinant Rusco, from the Ruscus Aculeatus, an evergreen shrub with typical red berries used as a Christmas ornament that grew luxuriantly in the area.

History

Poggio Rusco still remembers the battle of the Second World War, called "Operation Herring." The mission occurred on 20-23 April 1945, when 226 paratroopers of the new Italian Army were launched to protect structures and buildings and favor the Allied advance; 14 military and two civilians died. A War Memorial at Dragoncello, the Church of Dragoncello, and a battalion of the Folgore brigade called the "3rd Paratrooper Battalion Poggio Rusco" were dedicated to this feat.

Tourist attractions

The parish church, dedicated to Maria, was built from 1748 to 1770 in a light Baroque style. The interior has a single nave; in the background, you can see the horizon of eighteenth-century Mantua with the ancient San Giorgio bridge.

Palazzo Gonzaga, built around the mid-15th century to a design by Luca Fancelli, belonged to the Gonzaga nobles.

The interior includes the entrance hall, the council chamber with the remains of restored frescoes, and the access staircase to the upper floor, partially frescoed, with a fine coffered ceiling.

The Torre Falconiera served as a lookout post or as a refuge in case of danger. It was probably built in the 17th century but was damaged during the 2012 earthquake and later restored.

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