Canzo
Welcome to Canzo!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Canzo, a municipality of about 5,000 inhabitants located in Lombardy, in the province of Como. It is a very characteristic village, nestled in the nature of the Lombard Prealps, and is the capital of the Triangolo Lariano Mountain Community.
Physical geography
Canzo is located between Valassina and Ravella, and is surrounded by the mountains Cornizzolo, Corni di Canzo, Barzaghino and Scioscia. The town is crossed by the Ravella stream, which gave birth to the historic center, and marginally by the Lambro river. The municipal territory of Canzo varies in altitude from a minimum of 367 to a maximum of 1,373 meters above sea level.
In addition, there are many sources in the mountains of the town and a lake, Lake Segrino, which is shared with the towns of Eupilio and Longone al Segrino. Canzo also boasts three distinct legally protected natural areas of European significance, which include a wide range of ecosystems for the conservation of the biodiversity of the territory.
Biodiversity conservation
One of these areas is Lake Segrino, which extends over an area of 581 hectares. This area has been recognized by the Habitat Directive as an area of particular natural interest, as it represents an important habitat for local flora and fauna.
Moreover, the Special Protection Area for birds IT2020301, which covers an area of 1,222 hectares, is an environment consisting mainly of erythronium-carpinio for 40.6%, festuco-brometale for 34.7%, aremonio-faggico for 11.7%, betullico for 9.6 %, Alopecurus pratensis and sanguisorba officinalis for 3.3%. This area hosts a wide variety of protected species, including 78 species of birds, 62 of plants, 17 of mammals, 7 of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
The Sasso Malascarpa nature reserve, which extends over an area of 677 hectares, has instead been recognized by the Habitat Directive as a community of interest area. It is an environment consisting mainly of beech, alder, hazel and white hornbeam woods. This reserve is an important habitat for numerous species of plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered.
The treasures of Canzo
Canzo boasts numerous natural treasures in addition to protected areas. For example, the Saxifraga vandellii, a rare plant species discovered in Canzo by Domenico Agostino Vandelli in 1763, grows only in a few places in Lombardy. Moreover, the town is famous for its artisanal traditions, such as the production of fabrics and embroideries in antique style, which require great manual skill and decades of experience.
Furthermore, Canzo boasts a variety of cultural and religious events that attract visitors from all over Italy. The Semana de la Piasentina is an annual celebration that takes place during Holy Week, during which a giant Pavura decorated with absinthe flowers is made. The most important event, however, is the feast of San Vittore, the patron saint of Canzo. This festival is celebrated on June 26th every year and includes numerous activities, such as processions, fireworks displays, and stalls.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Canzo is a fascinating village surrounded by nature, rich in artisanal traditions and cultural events, and an ideal place for biodiversity lovers. I hope that after reading this text, you are curious and decide to visit this beautiful town in Lombardy.
Thank you for reading!
