Cerano d'Intelvi
Cerano d'Intelvi: a historic gem set in nature
Physical geography
Cerano d'Intelvi is a small municipality located in the center of the lower Intelvi valley, in the province of Como, Lombardy. The town has about 587 inhabitants and is characterized by its position on the right side of the Telo, a stream that flows in the area and flows into the famous Lake Como in Argegno. The town is located at an altitude of about 600 meters and lies on the slopes of Mount San Zeno, an imposing conical mountain that rises in the center of the valley. At the top of the mountain, there is the Oratory of San Zeno, a sacred building dating back to 1215 that has been recently restored.
History
The history of Cerano d'Intelvi dates back to the 12th century when the village was involved in the struggles between Como and Milan. Over the centuries, the fief passed from hand to hand until it arrived under the Signoria of Rusca di Como in 1416. In 1644, the municipality was no longer part of the Intelvi parish but had become one of the so-called "Five municipalities of Mezena" together with Casasco, Pigra, Schignano, and Mezzena (now the municipality of Dizzasco). Over time, the village underwent several modifications and name changes: in 1862, the municipality changed its name to "Cerano d'Intelvi".
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of Cerano d'Intelvi were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on August 7, 1992. The village's coat of arms consists of a tower, which represents the Teodolinda Tower, later transformed into the bell tower of the church of San Tommaso. The crown in the coat of arms is a clear reference to Queen Teodolinda and her crown, preserved in the Cathedral of Monza. The ears of wheat represent Ceres, the goddess of harvests, from whom the name of the village would derive. The green field is a reference to the Intelvi Valley and its beautiful alpine pastures. The three stars in the coat of arms represent the fractions of Giuslino, Veglio, and Cerano.
Monuments and places of interest
Cerano d'Intelvi is a real gem set in nature. The town is rich in monuments and places of interest that testify to its millennial history and art that has developed over time. Among the most important monuments are the religious architecture, such as the church of San Tommaso, which dates back to the Romanesque period. The church has a medieval bell tower from the 12th century, called the Teodolinda Tower, with angular Lesene and cordons of Suspended arches and Dentelli on the floors. Some legends claim that the church was built on the remains of a high medieval castle belonging to Queen Teodolinda, whose crown is depicted on the coat of arms of the town.
Cerano d'Intelvi is also famous for its natural landscape, which offers visitors breathtaking panoramas, between green and lush mountains and valleys. The town is an ideal place for those who love nature and want to spend time in peace, immersed in a relaxing and magical atmosphere.
In conclusion, Cerano d'Intelvi is a unique place that represents the history, art, and beauty of nature in the Lombardy region. Anyone who has the fortune to visit this small municipality can be fascinated by its beauty and enchanting atmosphere.
