Camposampiero
Camposampiero: discovering its history and its name
Although of medieval origin, the Roman presence in Camposampiero is still noticeable today with the presence of numerous ruins from the Roman era that suggest the presence of a population in the area. But what is the origin of the name Camposampiero?
The locality owes its name to the etymology of the words that compose it: "campo" which derives from the Latin "campus" indicating a productive terrain, and "San Piero" which refers to the name of the local church, dedicated to Saint Peter, the apostle. Despite the presence of other "fields" in the area, such as Campodarsego and Campo San Martino, the issuance of the papal bull Justis fratrum in 1152 refers only to the parish of San Pietro.
The history of Camposampiero from Roman times to the Middle Ages
The territory of Camposampiero in Roman times was crossed by the Via Aurelia and the Via Decumana, currently the Via Desman, which constituted the Cardo Maximus and Decumanum Maximus of the Centuriazione of the territory of Padua. The presence of numerous ruins such as gravestones and pots full of charcoal and crushed bones has suggested the presence of a population since that time.
The presence of the Camposampiero family, which gave the name to the village, is mentioned in a notarial act of June 15th, 1117, which refers to Folco da Camposampiero. In 1152, the papal bull Justis fratrum lists the "plebem de Campo S. Petri cum pertinentiis suis", citing only the parish of San Pietro.
The first historical document that reports the name of the town directly is Italia sacra by Ferdinando Ughelli, published in 1642, which speaks of "Campus Sancti Petri".
The granting of city status to Camposampiero
On July 20th, 2009, the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, granted city status to Camposampiero. This gesture sanctioned the growth and development of the town, which has over 11,000 inhabitants.
The importance of the church of San Martino
The church of San Martino has always been an important point of reference for the community of Camposampiero. Built in the 1200s, it dates back to the period when the town was under the rule of Ezzelino III da Romano. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various modifications and enlargements, up to its current Baroque appearance.
The church of San Martino houses numerous artistic treasures, including works dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The main altar, dedicated to San Martino, houses a canvas by Giusto that has become famous for its unmistakable style.
Events and traditions
Camposampiero is a town that boasts numerous traditions and important events. One of these is the feast of San Martino, which takes place on November 11th every year. The town is transformed into a huge festival with stalls and itinerant shows, culminating in the celebration of Mass in honor of the patron saint.
Another important event is the Palio di San Giovanni, which takes place during the last week of June and involves the participation of the various parishes of Camposampiero in a skill competition. The parish that wins the Palio conquers the banner and the honor of carrying it in procession throughout the following week.
Conclusions
Camposampiero is a town rich in history and traditions, which boasts a strategic geographic location thanks to its proximity to Padua. From the Roman presence to the granting of city status, the community of Camposampiero has always shown a strong identity and pride in keeping its traditions alive. Walking through the streets of the historic center, among ancient churches and stately palaces, is an experience not to be missed for those visiting these places.
