Carro
Discovering Carro: a small Ligurian village immersed in nature
Hello friends! Today I'm going to tell you about an enchanting Ligurian village located in the province of La Spezia, Carro, also known as O Câro in the Ligurian language or U Caru in the local dialect. Carro has a population of around 492 inhabitants and is located at an altitude of 418 meters above sea level. This charming town is part of the Montemarcello-Magra-Vara Regional Nature Park and is completely immersed in the wonderful Ligurian nature.
Physical Geography: between mountains and streams
Carro extends into the valley of the Trambacco stream, at the foot of the Colle di Velva in the Val di Vara. However, the municipal territory of Carro also includes Mount San Nicolao, where the Castagnola stream originates. Carro is a perfect place for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in the unspoiled nature, perhaps by hiking through the mountains or along the various trails that surround the municipality.
History: from religious possession to the Malaspina feud
The village of Carro has its origins in the Roman Empire and was initially a religious possession of the Vicariate of Framura. Later, the fief passed to the Este in the eleventh century and then to the Malaspina. Finally, the Malaspina transferred the feudal property to the Passano family at the request of the Diocese of La Spezia-Sarzana-Brugnato. In 1229, Carro constituted itself as a Communal Age by stipulating an important alliance with the Republic of Genoa. In the Middle Ages, the Republic of Genoa erected the village to the title of Podestà from 1299, following its fortunes. In 1556, Carro obtained autonomy under the Statute. During the period of French domination by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797, Carro became part of the Department of Vara, with the capital in Levanto. After the Congress of Vienna in 1814, Carro was incorporated into the province of Levante in the Kingdom of Sardinia and then in the Kingdom of Italy since 1861.
Symbols: the story told in the emblem
The coat of arms of Carro was recognized by ministerial decree on March 25, 1899 and represents the history of the municipality. The coat of arms is divided into four quarters. The first and fourth represent the ladder of the Fieschi, who erected the castle on the territory during the feudal period, while the second and third quarters depict the cross of St. Lawrence, of which the church in the capital bears the name.
Monuments and places of interest: between churches and shrines
Carro has several monuments and places of interest to visit. The Church of San Lorenzo, located in the capital fraction of Carro, was built in the fifteenth century and features a Romanesque bell tower. The Parish Church of San Giorgio, located in the fraction of Castello, stands on the remains of the ancient medieval castle of the feudal domination period. Finally, the Shrine of Cerreta is a must-see for those visiting Carro. Located in the homonymous hamlet, the sanctuary is adjacent to the native house of Antonio Maria Gianelli, a native of the village who later became the Bishop of Bobbio.
In conclusion, Carro is a charming place surrounded by nature, where you can admire ancient churches and shrines, as well as enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. I hope my description has piqued your curiosity and perhaps made you want to visit this splendid Ligurian municipality.
