Rolo is located in the north-western lowlands of the province of Reggio Emilia, next to the Modena-Brennero motorway exit.
The ancient name of Rolo, Ariolas, first appeared in a Lombard diploma of 772 and seems to take its origin from a Latin term areola, "small area", probably referring to a cultivated area amidst woods or other uncultivated land.
In the Middle Ages, instead, the population usually agglomerated into residential areas, easier to protect in case of danger, with the setting up of fortifications: the presence of a village (Vico Rolesa) is registered in a notarial document dating back to 902.
From the XV century to 1776 it was a small autonomous feud of the Sessi family.
Rolo is a typical Po River Valley town characterized by a town centre with two rows of porticoes outlining the main street, Corso Repubblica which, in addition to the site of the Town Hall, includes the parish Church of San Zenone; the XVII-century Oratory of San Saverio is next to villa Resti Ferrari, the lordly mansion last inhabited by the family of the same name in the XVI century.
The Museum of inlayed work, set up in the Town Hall, is dedicated to the famous "rolini", valuable wood-inlayed furniture, whose craft developed between the XVIII and XX centuries.
In the XVII century the furniture made in Rolo was in high demand throughout the Duchy of Modena and Reggio; between the XIX and XX centuries, with the triumph of Art Nouveau and Belle Epoque, the pieces were also sold abroad.
Rolo still produces small quantities of the superfine prestigious “Riso-Rolo” rice. The local rice mills are still the only ones in the whole province of Reggio Emilia. Themed events that take place here combine the rice with other local products such as pumpkin and traditional balsamic vinegar. Another traditional dish is the rice cake.
Rolo first courses - last weekend of May
Gastronomic stands with typical local first courses, anart market and trade fair for collector’s items, music.
San Simone Festival - fourth weekend of October
Agroindustrial and Folk Festival. Historical parade, exhibitions, music, ancient crafts, local products, funfair.
