Castelmarte
Welcome to Castelmarte!
Hello everyone! Today I’m going to talk to you about Castelmarte, a charming Italian commune in the province of Como, in Lombardy. With its 1250 inhabitants, Castelmarte is a peaceful and welcoming village, perfect for those who are looking for a little bit of peace and quiet.
Let’s discover the physical geography of Castelmarte
One of the most beautiful things about Castelmarte is its geographical location. The village is situated on a rocky outcrop and enjoys a wonderful view of the Lambro river valley. To the north of Castelmarte lies the city of Erba, while to the west the village’s territory is surrounded by the Lambro river valley.
The origins of the name
Have you ever wondered where the name Castelmarte comes from? The toponym dates back to the time of the Roman conquest, when it indicated a fortification of the Leponzio settlement of Canzo. Over the following centuries, Castelmarte became an authentic inhabited center, albeit dependent on Canzo. The color blue, symbol of the community of Canzo, is present in the emblem of the Prina family, who have always possessed a strategic area like Castelmarte.
In medieval notarial deeds, the commune is indicated by the name of Castelmartoro, that is, the Lombard transcription of Castelmàrtur, intended as the equivalent of the Latin Castellum Martyrum (castle of martyrs). The pronunciation màrtur (and not màrtir) from martyr presupposes a very ancient entry of the word, directly from Greek, probably from Christian missionaries of the 2nd century of Eastern origins.
The symbol of Castelmarte
The symbol of Castelmarte is that of a fortress with a central tower, which recalls the image of the Roman legions. The choice of this symbol is linked to the Prina family’s involvement in metalworking, military defense, and hunting. In the late Middle Ages, the family abandoned the symbol of the stars, inserted in the feudal coat of arms of the Community of Canzo, to adopt a military iconography.
Curiosities about the pronunciation of Castelmarte
The official pronunciation of Castelmarte is Castelmàrt, but it is still possible to find people who use the pronunciation Castelmàrtur. This is because the two pronunciations have coexisted for a long time, oscillating between the reference to Celtic symbolism and Christian adaptation. Castelmarte takes its name from the Celtic term "marth", which means both war and sacrifice.
Conclusion
Here is a brief description of Castelmarte, an Italian commune that is worth visiting. With its panoramic views, strategic geographical location, and ancient history, Castelmarte is a place full of charm and surprises. If you are looking for a little bit of tranquility and relaxation, this village is the perfect destination for you!
