Rubiera


Rubiera is a comune in the Province of Reggio Emilia in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located on the Via Emilia about northwest of Bologna and about southeast of Reggio Emilia.

History

The original name of the city was Corte de Herberia, probably derived from the Celtic er-beria, meaning "in the middle of the plain". The Roman emperors Gallienus and Valerianus built a bridge over the Secchia river at this location in AD 259.
The first historical mention of Rubiera is from 915, at which time it was a fief of the Supponidi family; the city later became a fief of the Obertenghi family. After a period of decline, it recovered some importance in the 12th century under the comune of Reggio Emilia, due to its strategic position and the fact that the city had a castrum and massive walls. At later times it was a possession of the House of Este, a Papal possession, and part of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio, during which period the castle was used as a prison.
Among the churches in the community are:
Rubiera is the hometown of Stefano Baldini, European and Olympic marathon champion. Rubiera's handball team has played in the Italian serie A every year since 1982.

Twin towns