Castelvetro di Modena, Italian comune
Castelvetro di Modena is a small town set among the rolling hills of the Modena region with narrow streets and old buildings topped by medieval towers. The heart of the town centers on Piazza Roma, where the town hall, a clock tower, and the former jail tower stand, paved with a checkered pattern of white and black stones.
The area has been inhabited since ancient times, but was defined by the Romans, who established a military camp called a Castrum around 150 BC, from which the town's name derives. In the Middle Ages, Castelvetro was an important defensive stronghold with multiple towers and castles that protected the region from invasions and solidified its historical importance as a trading place.
The name Castelvetro comes from the Latin words Castrum Vetus, meaning old camp, and points to the town's Roman past. Residents here keep their traditions alive through the production of Lambrusco wine and aged balsamic vinegar, which play a central role at local festivals and markets.
Visitors can easily explore the center on foot, with tourist information offices and local shops offering guidance, local products, and guided tours. Many come for quiet walks, to enjoy the views, or to taste traditional food, with narrow streets and friendly shops creating a welcoming experience.
Poet Torquato Tasso fled to Castelvetro seeking shelter from troubles with his writings, and a local palace preserves the memory of his stay. A museum called Rosso Graspa, opened in 2019, showcases the town's history and the story of Lambrusco Grasparossa wine development through old tools and photographs from different eras.
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