Cervia

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Comune di Cervia
Image:Cervia-Stemma.png Municipal coat of arms
Country	Image:Flag of Italy.svg Italy
Region	Emilia-Romagna
Province	Ravenna (RA)
Mayor	Roberto Zoffoli (since 2004-06-13)

Elevation	3 m
Area	82 km²
Population
- Total (as of december 31, 2005)	27,104
- Density	315/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	44°15′N 12°22′E
Gentilic	Cervesi
Dialing code	0544
Postal code	48015, 48016
Frazioni	Cannuzzo, Castiglione di Cervia, Milano Marittima, Montaletto, Pinarella, Pisignano, Savio, Tagliata, Terme, Villa Inferno
Patron	St. Paternianus
- Day	november 13
Website: www.comunecervia.it

Cervia is a town and commune in the province of Ravenna (Emilia-Romagna) in Italy.

1 History
2 Main sights
3 Transportation
4 External links

[edit] History

Originally called Ficocle, it was probably of Greek origin and was located midway from current Cervia and Ravenna. It is known that this originary settlement was destroyed in 709 by patrician Theodore for its alliance with Ravenna against the loyal Byzantines.

Later the centre was rebuilt in a more secure position, in the Salina. This medieval city grew until it was provided with three fortified entrances, a Palaces of Priors, seven churches and castle (Rocca) which, according to the legend, was built by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The name also changed from Ficocle to Cervia, probably referring to the Acervi, great amounts of salt left in the local evaporation pods. After a long series of event, it became part of the Papal States.

As the time passed, the salt pod turned into a marsh, and on November 9, 1697 Pope Innocent XII ordered it was rebuilt in a safer location. The new city had huge silos for storage of salt, containing up to 13,000 tons.