Cologne
Welcome to Cologne!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Cologne, a municipality in Lombardy located about 25 km west of Brescia, in the heart of Franciacorta. With its 7,568 inhabitants, Cologne is a small village immersed in nature and history.
Territory
Cologne is characterized by the presence of Mount Orfano, which delimits the moraine hills of Franciacorta. The territory is mainly flat, with the exception of the area to the north, which is characterized by the western ridge of Mount Orfano. The territorial surface of the municipality measures about 13.83 km² and its altitude ranges from 168 m to 451 m above sea level. The important hydrographic presence in the territory is the "Fusia" seriola and its branch called "Mirandola", both used for irrigation purposes.
Origins of the name
The name "Cologne" derives from the farmhouses built after the settlement of the Roman colonists, who generically called the different farmhouses built in the territory "coloniae". The toponym has remained unchanged until today despite the changes that occurred in the Italian language.
History
Cologne has an ancient history dating back to the 4th century BC with the stable settlement of the Gallic tribe of the Cenomani, who settled in these areas and on Mount Orfano to control the main road of Regio XI Transpadana. Subsequently, under Roman rule, several colonists settled and made agricultural work the main source of local wealth. With the Roman decline and the invasion of the barbarians in the 5th and 6th centuries AD, the territory and the economy went through a long period of underdevelopment that was only stopped with the advancement of the Lombards.
What to see
Although it is a small village, Cologne offers several tourist attractions. The central historic core preserves some historic buildings, such as the church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, dating back to the 16th century, and the Municipal Palace, built in the 18th century. A few steps from the center is the Abbey of San Colombano, a jewel of Lombard Romanesque. The complex has its origins in the 7th century AD but has undergone numerous architectural modifications over the centuries.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Cologne reflects the culinary tradition of Lombardy, with a strong focus on local products. Franciacorta is famous for its wines, in particular the "Franciacorta DOCG", but not only. The area is also renowned for its meats, in particular lamb and pork, which are prepared in many ways. There are also dishes based on porcini mushrooms, which grow abundantly in the surrounding woods. Finally, typical desserts of the area are a must-try, such as spongada and apple fritters.
Main events
Cologne is a village that thrives all year round, but there are some events that attract special attention. Among these are the Feast of Sant'Andrea, on November 30, patron saint of the village, and the Potato Festival, which takes place in September. During the Festival, the village comes alive with stalls, music and shows for all tastes.
How to get there
Cologne is located about 25 km west of Brescia and is easily reachable by car. If you are coming from abroad, the nearest airport is Milan Orio al Serio, which is about 40 km from Cologne. Alternatively, you can reach the Brescia train station and from there take a bus or a local train to reach the municipality.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a place to relax and discover the history of Lombardy, Cologne is the right place. Its territory, its cuisine, and its events will conquer you. I can't wait to go back and visit this charming village!
