Casnate con Bernate
Discovering Casnate con Bernate, an agricultural village on the hills of Como
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Casnate con Bernate, a town of 4987 inhabitants located in the province of Como, in Lombardy. Its name probably derives from the Latin term "cassinus" or "cassinius", or from the word "chestnuts" with the addition of the suffix -ate. The specification serves to identify its location.
Casnate con Bernate is an agricultural village located on the internal heights of the morainic amphitheater south of Como. The territory is crossed by the river Seveso and its tributaries, such as the Rio Rossola and the Spinarola. In the north-western area of the municipality is the "Prato Pagano", a territory owned by the community, situated on a peat substrate.
The history of Casnate con Bernate
The origins of the toponyms "Casnate" and "Bernate" are still under discussion among scholars. Some believe that the suffix -ate has a pre-Roman or Celtic origin, while others argue that it derives from the ethnic suffix -attes, linked to the period of Romanization of the subalpine area. However, the first attestations of the toponyms date back to the middle of the thirteenth century, with the forms of Castenate and Brinate.
Recent studies and archaeological findings reveal that Casnate and Bernate may have pre-Roman origins, especially of Celtic nature. Casnate was one of the oldest villages belonging to the "pieve" of Fino Mornasco, and already in 1297 it was mentioned in the code of the canons of the Cathedral of Como. In its territory, there is also the contrada of the Torre, which houses a square building, probably a signaling tower that connected the castle of Vertemate with the Baradello. During the period of the Ten-Year War between Como and Milan, Casnate, together with the pieve of Fino Mornasco, was occupied by the Milanese, but subsequently had to leave this territory, reconquering it and then losing it definitively in 1196 when the whole pieve was attributed to the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Como.
The parish of Casnate is one of the oldest churches belonging to the pieve of Fino Mornasco, and already in 1297 an inventory of the assets belonging to the chapter of the Cathedral of Como cited a "Ecclesia Sancti Ambrosii" in the territory of Casnate. In the past, the parish of Casnate also included Bernate, but due to the distance between the two municipalities, the people of Bernate brought the situation to the attention of Bishop Archinti.
What to see in Casnate con Bernate
Walking through Casnate con Bernate, you can admire numerous historical buildings. Among these, the Olgiati Palace, an early eighteenth-century villa, or the Church of Saints Ambrogio and Simpliciano that dates back to the thirteenth century. In addition, the municipality houses several noble residences, such as the villa La Gabriella and the villa Gallini.
For nature lovers, the "Prato Pagano" represents an ideal destination for a walk in the green, where you can admire rare plants and marsh vegetation. The Seveso river, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to do outdoor activities, such as fishing or kayaking.
Events and traditions
Throughout the year, various events and traditional festivals take place in Casnate con Bernate. One of the most famous is certainly the "Fiera di San Biagio", which takes place on the first Sunday of February and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the region. On this occasion, the streets of the village come alive with the presence of stalls selling typical local products.
Also, the patronal feast of Sant'Ambrogio, which falls on December 7th, is an opportunity to celebrate one's community with fireworks, singing, and dancing in the square. Finally, the Beer Festival organized in September offers the opportunity to taste the best local craft beers accompanied by gastronomic delicacies at km 0.
Conclusion
This is all you need to know about Casnate con Bernate! This town, located in a panoramic position on the hills of Como, offers numerous historical, cultural, and naturalistic attractions and represents an ideal destination for those looking for a break from the frenzy of the city. If you are in the area, do not hesitate to visit this suggestive and authentic village in Lombardy!
