Scandiano
Scandiano is a town and comune in Emilia-Romagna, in the northeast part of Italy, near the city of Reggio nell'Emilia and the Secchia river. It had a population of about 25,663 as of 31 December 2016. The town is the birthplace of the eighteenth-century naturalist Lazzaro Spallanzani, a pioneer of experimental biology, who is commemorated there.
At a glance
- Type
- Town and comune
- Period
- Historic town near Reggio Emilia
- Style
- Emilian foothill town
- Location
- Province of Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Overview
Scandiano is a town and comune in Emilia-Romagna, in northern Italy. It lies near the city of Reggio nell'Emilia and the Secchia river. The town recorded a population of about 25,663 at the end of 2016.
History
Scandiano grew at the edge of the Emilian plain where it meets the first Apennine foothills, near the Secchia river. The town is closely associated with the naturalist Lazzaro Spallanzani, who was born there in 1729 and is honoured with a public monument. Its proximity to Reggio nell'Emilia placed it within the historic orbit of that city.
What you see
The town centre includes a monument to the scientist Lazzaro Spallanzani, a local landmark. Scandiano sits in a landscape that shifts from the flat plain toward the Apennine foothills near the Secchia river. The setting reflects its position at the southern margin of the Po Valley.
Cultural significance
Scandiano's identity is strongly tied to Lazzaro Spallanzani, one of the founders of experimental biology. The town stands among the historic comuni surrounding Reggio nell'Emilia that contribute to the cultural fabric of the region.
Practical information
Scandiano is a populated town accessible year-round. For opening hours of local sites and museums, check the official municipal website.
Getting there
Scandiano is reached by road from Reggio nell'Emilia, a short distance to the northwest, and lies along regional routes toward the Apennines. The nearest mainline rail and motorway connections are at Reggio Emilia, on the Milan–Bologna corridor.