Appiano Gentile
Appiano Gentile: a small town in the province of Como
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Appiano Gentile, a quiet town in the province of Como, located between the province of Como and Varese. With its 7,625 inhabitants, Appiano Gentile is an ancient village that is definitely worth a visit.
Physical geography
Appiano Gentile is located on the edge of the Pineta di Appiano Gentile and Tradate Park, a vast green area that spans both provinces. The town is 15 km from Como, 35 km from Milan, 20 km from Chiasso (Switzerland) and 20 km from Varese.
Origins of the name
The name "Appiano" has uncertain origins. According to some, it derives from the Latin phrase "Ad-Planum", which means "near the plain". Others argue that the name is related to the Gallic language and means "water plain", "land of horses" or "horse breeders". The nickname "Gentile", on the other hand, refers to Gentili archaeological finds from the territory.
History
Ancient times
In the 1930s, a necropolis with Bronze Age tombs was discovered at Monte di Mezzo, while in the 1980s a larger necropolis dating back to the Golasecca Culture was found, which testifies to the transition phase between Celtic and Roman culture. The presence of trade with Ancient Greece would be attested by the inscription "Aphrodite" on a marble altar that emerged during some demolition work on the old Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire. Also from Roman times is a necropolis that came to light in Via Monte Zuccolo.
Middle Ages
In the fifth century, the population of Appiano Gentile paid tithes to Archbishop Theodore I of Milan, obtaining some privileges. In the tenth century, the country represented the most eastern Milanese pieve in the county of Seprio, with the Lura river acting as a border with the county of Martesana. Following the struggles between the Communal Age and the Holy Roman Empire, Appiano Gentile initially sided with Frederick Barbarossa, before joining the Lombard League.
What to see in Appiano Gentile
The town of Appiano Gentile is an ideal place to spend a day in contact with nature and history. In addition to the Pineta di Appiano Gentile and Tradate Park, which offers numerous paths for walks and bike paths, you can visit the parish Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire, the Church of San Martino and the Church of San Vittore. Moreover, in the historical center, you can find the Palazzo Borghi or Villa Borghi, an elegant sixteenth-century residence that deserves to be admired.
Events and traditions
Appiano Gentile is a town that also lives off events and traditions. Among the most important events, we mention the "Festa di San Martino", which is held every year on November 11th and is a prelude to the Christmas period.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Appiano Gentile is a small town in the province of Como that is worth a visit. Its history and its natural and architectural beauties make it an ideal place to spend a day with family or friends. We look forward to welcoming you to Appiano Gentile!
