Carbonara di Po
Greetings from Carbonara di Po
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about a small town in the lower Mantua region: Carbonara di Po, also known as "Carbunèra" in the local dialect. I am sure that the name intrigues you and perhaps you are wondering how it came about. In this text, I will reveal all the secrets and curiosities of this splendid place.
Origins of the name
The meaning of Carbonara is rather uncertain, but it is thought to be related to the presence of artisans who produced charcoal or it could be derived from the Latin expression "carbonaria", referring to dark waters.
The history of Carbonara di Po
The area where Carbonara di Po now stands was very different during Roman times, when the area was marshy and sparsely inhabited. Only after the end of the Imperial period, the waters were reclaimed and settlers moved here, opening roads and building fields.
After the barbarian invasions, the territory was abandoned and swampy until the Lombard period, when the defense of the Po river pushed the Lombards to resume the reclamation works.
During the Communal period, the control of the waters of the Po river caused conflicts between the cities of Ferrara and Mantua, which continued for centuries, causing destruction in the border territories.
Subsequently, the territory passed through various administrations, first with the Bonacolsi family and later with the domination of the Gonzagas.
Merger with Borgofranco sul Po
Since January 1st, 2019, Carbonara di Po has merged with the municipality of Borgofranco sul Po to become the new municipality of Borgocarbonara, of which Carbonara di Po is the municipal seat. This merger was decided following a popular referendum in February 2018.
What to see in Carbonara di Po
If you are curious to visit Carbonara di Po, here are some must-see stops:
- The Church of Santa Maria Nascente, dating back to the Communal period and preserving valuable works of art;
- The Tower of the Roggia, one of the few remaining towers of the village's defensive system, placed to defend the ancient bridge over the Po river;
- The Castle, a defensive structure dating back to the 14th century, which was part of the city's fortification system;
- The Po River Park, a real oasis of peace and tranquility for nature lovers.
Events and traditions
Like many villages in the area, Carbonara di Po celebrates many festivals and events throughout the year, which allow you to get to know the local culture and tradition. One of the most important events is the patron saint's festival of Santa Maria Nascente, which takes place in September and includes processions, fireworks, and gastronomic stalls. Throughout the year, various food festivals are organized, such as the polenta, sausage and asparagus festivals, which allow you to taste the typical products of the area.
Conclusions
Carbonara di Po is a small hidden gem in the lower Mantua region, ready to welcome all curious visitors who want to learn about the history and culture of the place. Come and discover the beauty of this enchanting village!
