The Partisans were extremely active in the Modena mountains, in the upper Secchia valley, and the area also saw the creation of the first Partisan Republic, at Montefiorino, which survived from 18 June to 30 July 1944. The small town's XII-XIII Century castle now houses a museum dedicated to this republic, which occupied an area of 1,200 km including the municipal areas of Montefiorino, Frassinoro, Polinago and Prignano in the province of Modena, and Ligonchio, Toano and Villaminozzo in the contiguous Reggio Emilia hills. The museum tells the story of the Republic of Montefiorino through objects, photographs, films, written documents and video testimony by those who took part in the events described. A relief model and a number of diorama displays give a more concrete picture of the places where the Partisan drama unfolded. The chronological and thematic layout focuses on the military problems of the Partisan bands, the political and administrative affairs of the Republic and the history of the Modena-Armando Partisan Division. It also illustrates the daily life of the Partisans, the role of women and the social groups from which Resistance fighters were drawn. The museum's effectiveness is further enhanced by its surroundings in the old castle, which is still completely intact, even though it now also serves as the town hall. The castle also played an important role in the life of the Republic, and is itself a link with the events described in the museum.