Carbonate

Welcome to Carbonate, a green and peaceful town between Como and Varese

If you are looking for a peaceful destination surrounded by nature, then Carbonate is the right choice for you. This town in the province of Como has about 2900 inhabitants and is situated between the hills southwest of Lake Como and the Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate Park. In this summary, we will talk about the physical geography, climate, and historical heritage of Carbonate.

Physical geography

Carbonate: nature, climate and history of the municipality between Como and Varese.

Morphology and hydrography

The territory of Carbonate covers 4.33 km² and is crossed by four streams: Bozzente, Cavo Gradeluso, Fontanile di Tradate, and Tinella, which has been buried since the Second World War. The whole town is situated across the valley of Tinella, a watercourse that divides the center into two parts at different altitudes. To the north of the town center, the municipality borders the Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate Park, a protected green area that covers about 10 km². The hilly territory is rich in gravel and clay, while to the south of the town, there is a wide flat area.

Climate

Carbonate has a temperate continental climate, with hot summers and cold and dry winters. The town is characterized by high humidity, resulting in a foggy and cloudy climate for most of the year. Rainfall is concentrated mainly in autumn and spring, but periods of drought can also occur. According to the Italian municipality climate classification, Carbonate belongs to the climate zone E, which authorizes the use of heating systems in buildings from October 15 to April 15.

Environment

Carbonate is located in Zone A - a plain with high urbanization, an area of Lombardy characterized by high levels of atmospheric pollution. In particular, the passage of the SS 233 Varesina through the town center represents a critical problem for air quality.

History

Ancient age

Human presence in this area dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological findings near Carbonate. However, the first written evidence of the town dates back to the 9th century when the town was known as "Calbonate". The name seems to derive from a certain "Carbone", probably a local lord who controlled vast areas of land in the area. During the Roman period, Carbonate was an important transit center on the commercial routes between Milan and Lake Como.

Medieval age

During the Middle Ages, Carbonate became an important fiefdom of the counts of Milan. In the 12th century, the town was fortified and equipped with a fortress, which resisted wars and invasions by the various factions that contested Lombardy during the Renaissance. The fortress was destroyed in the 18th century, but some traces of the defensive walls are still visible.

Modern age

During the period when Lombardy was under Spanish and then Austrian rule, Carbonate experienced a period of economic and cultural stagnation. However, with the arrival of the Kingdom of Italy and the industrialization of the territory, the town experienced a new phase of development. In the 20th century, agriculture and small artisanal industries gave way to the production of manufactured goods, which led to the opening of numerous companies and the creation of new jobs.

Conclusions

Carbonate is a town that offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as walks in the greenery, cycling, and sports activities. Here you can also discover the history and culture of Lombardy, thanks to the numerous testimonies present in the area. Come and visit us and discover a peaceful and welcoming place that will make you feel at home.

Martina Caruso
Updated Friday, Mar 18, 2022