Municipality of Cento
Cento, known in local dialects as Zèint and Zänt, is an Emilian municipality of 35,421 inhabitants, part of the province of Ferrara. Its geographical position makes it a cultural and historical crossroads, located a short distance from the cities of Bologna, Ferrara and Modena.
The urban agglomeration formed with Pieve di Cento known as ‘il Centopievese’ has over 43,000 inhabitants. The city is nicknamed ‘Little Bologna’ due to the architecture of its porticoes and historic centre, which are reminiscent of the regional capital, as well as its gastronomic offerings strongly influenced by its proximity to Bologna.
The flat territory of Cento is characterised by lively agricultural activity and the presence of watercourses and mills, evidence of the historical cultivation of hemp. The origin of the name ‘Cento’ is the subject of debate: it could derive from the Roman term ‘Centum’, referring to the centuriae agrimensorie, or from ‘Cento iugeri’, the portion of land assigned to settlers. Other theories suggest Longobard or Celtic origins.
The community of Cento was officially recognised in 1185 by the bishop of Bologna. During the 14th century, with the loss of power of the bishop, the agrarian participation developed. In 1376, Cento was separated from Pieve di Cento and became an ‘autonomous city’. From 1502 to 1598, it was part of the Estensi's dominions and was administered by Bologna under the Papal State from 1598.
In the 17th century, the course of the Reno River definitively separated Cento from its original parish. In 1754, Pope Benedict XIV elevated Cento to the rank of ‘City’. During the Cisalpine Republic, it was capital of the Department of Upper Padusa. After the Napoleonic era, in 1815, the Papal State was restored and many works of art were returned to Cento.
Works of art that were plundered and not returned include works by Guercino and Cesare Gennari, some of which are now in European museums. The 19th century saw political turmoil and the figure of Ugo Bassi, hero of the Risorgimento. In 1860, Cento was annexed to the Kingdom of Savoy and in 1928, a royal decree changed the border with Pieve di Cento.
The 2012 earthquakes hit Cento hard, causing significant damage to its artistic and architectural heritage, with the Buonacompra church collapsed and many other structures damaged.
