The original name of the city was Corte de Herberia, probably derived from the Celtic er-beria, meaning "in the middle of the plain".

The Roman emperors Gallienus and Valerianus built a bridge over the Secchia river at this location in AD 259.

After a period of decline, it recovered some importance in the 12th century under the comune of Reggio Emilia, due to its strategic position and the fact that the city had a castrum (castle) and massive walls.

Among the churches in the community are:[3] Rubiera is the hometown of Stefano Baldini, European and Olympic marathon champion.

Rubiera's handball team (Pallamano Secchia) has played in the Italian serie A every year since 1982.