Caravate
Welcome to Caravate: an urban center protected by hills
Welcome to Caravate, a municipality in the province of Varese in Lombardy, Italy. With a population of 2538, Caravate is a medium-sized urban center protected by hills that slope towards Lake Maggiore. The municipality is bordered by the Viganella River and adjacent to Laveno Mombello, Cittiglio, Sangiano, Leggiuno, Besozzo, and Gemonio. Caravate is connected to the state road n. 394 Varese-Laveno at the Gemonio exit.
The history of Caravate: from Celtic people to artisanal and farming activities
Traces of Caravate's past date back to the Celtic people who once lived in the area. However, the most vivid and well-preserved evidence of Caravate's medieval history can still be found in the fabric of the city. In the 20th century, Caravate boasted some artisanal and farming activities such as mills, an oil press, a hydraulic sawmill, a continuous fire furnace, and brick factories. Additionally, the wine produced in Caravate was highly renowned, particularly that from the Sassa vineyards and that derived from the Ronco grapes called Pancotto.
Today, Caravate is a very industrious and dynamic municipality where industry and agriculture coexist.
Monuments and places of interest in Caravate
Caravate offers several examples of sacred architecture and rural traditions. The old Romanesque church of Sant'Agostino dating back to the early 11th-12th century is an impressive example of religious architecture. Moreover, Caravate is famous for the Castelverde stables, known for their racehorses.
In this active and participative municipality, there are numerous sports, socio-cultural, and solidarity associations that enrich the calendar of events and festivities.
The origin of the name Caravate: Celtic, pre-Latin, or Neolithic?
The etymology of the name Caravate is very intriguing. One theory suggests that it derives from the Celtic personal name Carevus with the addition of the suffix -ate. Another theory suggests that the name derives from the pre-Latin carabus or caravos, in turn derived from karra, meaning stone. There's also a theory that the origin of the name is Neolithic, as Caravate would come from the ancient Caravè, meaning hemp crusher. There is also archaeological evidence suggesting that the area around the Viganella river was actually a large swamp, colonized by Cannabis sativa cultivators who lived in stilt houses.
Moreover, in a parchment from the year 712 that lists the possessions in Valcuvia of the San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro monastery in Pavia, several locations are mentioned including Calariate corresponding to the current Caravate. Calariate also appears among the ancient names of the city of Gallarate (VA), and it's assumed to derive from the Latin term glarea, meaning gravel.
Conclusions
Caravate is a welcoming and historic municipality in the province of Varese, in Lombardy. This medium-sized urban center is protected by hills and located near Lake Maggiore. With a history dating back to the Celtic people, Caravate offers several examples of sacred architecture and rural traditions. At the same time, the municipality is highly active and dynamic, with numerous sports, socio-cultural, and solidarity associations that enrich the calendar of events. The origin of the name Caravate is very intriguing with various theories attached to it. Regardless of its history, Caravate is a wonderful place to visit.
