Cardano al Campo
Greetings from Cardano al Campo!
Come and discover the municipality of Cardano al Campo, located in Lombardy, in the province of Varese. With its 14,443 inhabitants, the city is an important crossroads for the economy of the region thanks to its proximity to Milan-Malpensa Airport. But it's not just an industrial center; the presence of the Lombard natural park of Valle del Ticino and numerous wooded areas in the territory make Cardano al Campo a perfect place for nature lovers and hikers.
Origins of the Name
The name "Cardano" has a very interesting and controversial history. It is thought to derive from three different theories: "cardus", a wild plant covered in thorns, "kar", stony ground, and "cardo", a Roman-derived word meaning hinge or decumanus. The addition of "al Campo" was decided in 1864 by Vittorio Emanuele II to avoid problems of namesake with other countries, but there is a specific reason behind this choice: during the Roman era, there was a Roman camp in the area.
History
Although there is evidence of prehistoric settlements near Cardano al Campo, the first traces of the municipality date back to the Roman era. It is believed that the city was crossed by the "Severiana Augusta Road", a road that connected Milan to Lake Maggiore. During the Middle Ages, Cardano al Campo belonged to the county of Seprio and the Cardano family, to which the famous priest and Archbishop of Milan, Milone, belonged, was one of the most important families. At the end of the 14th century, the municipality was part of the Gallarate fiefdom and remained under the rule of the Duchy of Milan until 1530. In 1600, Cardano al Campo was invaded by the Lanzichenecchi and was the scene of clashes between French and Spanish troops involved in the Thirty Years' War. During 1630, the city was hit by the plague.
Things to Do in Cardano al Campo
In addition to admiring the natural beauty of the city, there are many other things to do in Cardano al Campo. You can visit the church of S. Pietro, which was a place of care during the 1630 plague epidemic, or admire the Castiglioni Tower, a lookout tower built in the 1500s. If you are passionate about cycling or hiking, the city has many interesting routes to offer. Additionally, you can take a walk in the city center and visit the numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.
Conclusion
Cardano al Campo is a charming city with a very interesting history. It offers many opportunities for those who love nature and history, but also for those who are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of provincial life. Discover what Cardano al Campo has to offer: we are sure you won't be disappointed!