Cermenate
Cermenate: the history and geography of a Lombardy town
Cermenate is a town in the province of Como, in Lombardy, which has a population of about 9,198 inhabitants. The town is located at an altitude of 297 meters above sea level, with an altitude variation of 88 meters, and borders Lentate sul Seveso to the south, Vertemate con Minoprio to the north, Bregnano to the west, and Cantù to the east.
Physical geography
The territory of Cermenate is characterized by the presence of numerous hills and countryside, making it particularly beautiful for those who love nature and relaxing walks. Among the most beautiful routes, we can mention the trail of the Parco delle Groane, which winds along the Seveso river, and the rocca di Cermenate, which offers a breathtaking view of the valley below.
History
Prehistory and ancient times
The origins of Cermenate date back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by some findings of axes, fibulae, and pendants discovered in the surrounding territory. Furthermore, the discovery of burial objects near the localities of Freghera and Fossarone suggests the presence of a large vicus, or at least a pagus, during the Roman era. The construction of a furnace is also dated to this period, named in some medieval documents in the context of a locality called "ad furnacem."
Middle Ages
During the High Middle Ages, Cermenate was part of the diocese of Como and was the head of a pieve of the time. Later, the center fell under the administrative jurisdiction of the Contado del Seprio. The town's geographic location put it at the center of the fratricidal struggles between the Comaschi and the Milanese, which saw the town destroyed several times during the War of the Lombards in the 13th century.
In this period, the figure of Ardizzone da Cermenate stands out, who distinguished himself for his valor during an attack by the Comaschi on Milanese troops. In 1162, the town sided with Frederick Barbarossa in the destruction of Milan. Subsequently, Cermenate became part of the administrative dependencies of the city of Como thanks to the peace of Como of 1196.
From a religious point of view, the territory was already part of the dependencies of Como, belonging to the pieve of Fino until the second half of the 18th century.
One of the oldest documents concerning the municipality of Cermenate is a claim for damages made by some merchants from Lille who were robbed of their belongings while passing through the locality of Montesordo, where there was a hospice for pilgrims.
In the thirteenth century, the "comune de Cermenate" is attested as an autonomous entity. In the second half of the century, the Como area was inflamed by disputes between the Della Torre and Visconti families, which led to the construction of a fortification on the height of Cermenate, still called "del castello," which in the 14th century became Visconti property.
Conclusions
Cermenate is a town with ancient origins, which has experienced moments of great importance both politically, economically and religiously. Today, the town still preserves a cultural and artistic heritage of considerable interest and is the ideal place for those seeking some tranquility in contact with nature.
