Matilde di Canossa: the heroine of the Middle Ages and her agri-food legacy

We had previously spoken about the figure of Matilde di Canossa, but we would like to go further into life and the &' the legacy of this extraordinary woman who left a &' an indelible mark on Italian history and culinary tradition.

The Bridge between Papacy and Empire

The figure of Matilda di Canossa, a great protagonist of the European Middle Ages, continues to arouse fascination and admiration for her extraordinary ability to navigate the tumultuous waters of medieval politics

Founded in 1046 in Mantua in a unique dynastic position, between families of German royal descent and feudal lords allied to the Church in Italy.

Matilde found herself at the heart of the conflict between the two greatest authorities of the &' era: the pope and the &' emperor.

Canossa's Forgiveness: an act of historic mediation

His wisdom and his diplomatic skill reached l&' peak in January 1077, during the &' episode of the “Canossa Forgiveness”, where he mediated between &' emperor and cousin Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII, obtaining a temporary truce in the dispute over the inaugurations.

However, her role as an intermediary cost her dearly: she was deprived of the title of Countess and her lands.

Only in 1111, with &' Bianello's agreement, did Matilde see her power recognized again, being crowned Imperial Vicar in Italy by the new emperor Henry V.

The link with the territory and the &' agri-food heritage

L&' Matilde's legacy is not limited to her daring navigation in the politics of the time, but also extends to the deep bond with the territories under her rule, which embraced fertile regions such as l&' Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Tuscany, l&' Umbria, Marche, Veneto, Liguria and Lazio.

These lands, rich in agri-food traditions, benefited from the protection and management of Matilde, who valued local production, promoting l&' agriculture and commerce.

From History to the Table: a journey into flavors

Matilde's bond with the territory, her dedication to the management of agricultural resources and the &' commitment to the prosperity of her lands, represent a shining example of how enlightened leadership can positively influence the economic and cultural development of a &' geographical area.

The Matildic Domains extend from Lake Garda to the hills of Viterbo, embracing an enogastronomic richness that lasts over time. These territories, fertile with vines, olive groves and wheat, offer some of the most valuable wines and oils

L&' breeding is another pillar of excellence: in Tuscany, the Chianina and Maremma cattle breeds enjoy international fame, while L&' Emilia is the cradle of fine pigs, from which sausages, cold cuts and cheeses are derived, recognized by &' UNESCO as a heritage of &' humanity.

In Umbria, the art of butchery has reached globally recognized levels of mastery, thanks to the techniques of Norcia's artisans in processing pork.

In the section dedicated to the typical products of Spaghetti&Mandolino, you can discover and appreciate the delicacies that have roots in these historic territories, celebrating the #' gastronomic legacy of Matilde di Canossa and her lasting impact on the Italian agri-food landscape.

Riccardo Lucchetta