Carpi
Welcome to Carpi: a city in Emilia-Romagna
Carpi is an Italian municipality located in the province of Modena, in the Emilia-Romagna region. With its 71,861 inhabitants, it is the second most populous municipality in the province after Modena itself, and the eleventh in the region. The city is part of the Union of Terre d'Argine, together with the municipalities of Soliera, Novi di Modena and Campogalliano. However, Carpi's importance in Italian history goes far beyond these population and administrative data.
Physical Geography of Carpi
Carpi is located in the Modena plain, about 20 kilometers northwest of Modena. The climate is temperate, with moderately cold and dry winters, and hot and muggy summers, with frequent thunderstorms. Spring and autumn are generally rainy and humid.
History of Carpi
Legendary Foundation of Carpi
It seems that the legend about the foundation of Carpi by the Lombard king Astolfo has no historical basis. The only reference to the presence of a hornbeam in the name of the city could be related to the presence of many Carpinus betulus woods in the Po Valley. Carpi has a medieval origin and was probably founded as a fortress.
Lordship of Carpi
From the 14th to the 16th century, Carpi was an independent lordship, then passed to the county of Pio di Savoia, and finally to the Este domains. In 1779, the city was erected to a diocese.
20th Century
During World War II, the Fossoli Camp in Carpi was a concentration camp used by the Nazis, from which many deportations to extermination camps started. Today, the camp has become a museum and memorial of the Second World War, and the city has a museum-monument to the political and racial deportee. During the Italian Liberation War, Carpi was the scene of numerous massacres committed by fascists against partisans and the civilian population.
Conclusions
Carpi has played an important role in Italian history, and the city continues to remember its past through numerous monuments and museums. However, Carpi is also a modern and lively city, with a rich culinary culture (such as the famous Carpi tortellini) and an active artistic and musical scene. If you are looking for an interesting destination in Emilia-Romagna, Carpi is definitely a place to visit!
