Covo
A bit of history about Covo: from the 5th century BC to the present day
Covo, known in the Bergamo dialect as ''Cóf'', is an Italian municipality of 4218 inhabitants located in the eastern plain of the province of Bergamo in Lombardy. In this text, we will get to know a bit of the history and geography of the place.
Physical geography
Covo covers an area of 10.57 km² and has an altitude that varies from 109 to 129 m above sea level. The territory borders to the north with Romano di Lombardia and Cortenuova, to the east with Calcio, to the south with Antegnate, Barbata and Isso, while to the west with Fara Olivana con Sola. Thanks to irrigation with channels such as fosso bergamasco and antegnata, and the roggia Sale, it is possible to cultivate all the areas of the municipality.
Origin of the name
The name Covo has many hypotheses regarding its origin; Dante Olivieri argues that the name derives from the meaning of ''refuge'' or ''hiding place'', where it was possible to hide thanks to the caves and valleys in the area. According to G. B. Moriggia, instead, the name could derive from ''cave'' or ''cellar'' and refer to the production of wine. Others hypothesize that the name derives from the Latin ''ad cavum'', meaning «near the ditch». However, traditionally, the name is linked to the sheaves of grain, which also represent the city symbol.
History
Origins
The area of Covo was inhabited by the Gauls and Celts with the Cenomani already from the 5th century BC. They helped the Romans settle in the area in 224 BC and Roman presence is evidenced by traces in the cadastral boundaries that indicate the layout of Decumano and Cardine. It is hypothesized that the first residential settlements date back to that period, referred to as ''ad cavum'', meaning ''village near the canal''. In 1890, twenty Roman tombs of the Roman Empire were discovered, as well as tools, spears, ceramics, and furnishings. In the 21st century, numerous researches have been conducted that have allowed the discovery of inhabited areas at the end of the Roman era.
Middle Ages
From 568, the territory was invaded by various peoples from the north, until the Lombards settled there, preferring to live behind the populations by asking for a third of the harvest.
Present-day
Currently, Covo is mainly an agricultural municipality. Tourism, on the other hand, is incentivized by the ''Piana Crixia'' caves and the proximity of the municipality to the city of Bergamo. The parish church, dedicated to the patron saint San Martino, houses a wooden statue from the 15th century depicting the Madonna with Child. The sheaf of grain still represents the symbol of the city of Covo today.
In summary, Covo is a historic and agricultural municipality that has roots dating back to the Roman Empire. The vast plains, rich in channels and ancient springs, generate typical high-quality products and make it an interesting destination for those who want to spend some time surrounded by nature and immersed in history.
