Mariano Comense
Mariano Comense: a hidden treasure of Lombardy
Physical geography
Mariano Comense is located in the province of Como in Lombardy and is a municipality of around 25,000 inhabitants. The city is strategically positioned between the plain and the Comasca hill, with the Lambro river and Seveso stream running through it. Mariano is located halfway between Monza and Como and is considered one of the most important cities in Brianza. The municipal territory covers an area of 12.43 km² and the altitude ranges from 252 meters above sea level to 331 meters above sea level.
The city is crossed by numerous streams, including the main one, the Torrente Terrò, although due to intensive use of the aquifers, the river has dried up for a long stretch. There are three artificial lakes in the municipality, with the smallest being part of the Brughiera Briantea Park, one of the richest reserves in fauna and flora of the Comasco-Brianzolo territory.
Origins of the name
There are several theories about the origins of the name "Mariano": one is that it derives from the figure of the Roman consul Manlio Teodoro, who lived in the city; another is that it is a Latinization of the Ligurian toponyms Marra or Marna, which mean land rich in water or borderland. Another hypothesis is that it comes from the root "MAR", which in Celtic means marsh. It is now known that before being inhabited, the area of Mariano was a swamp. However, in the Middle Ages, the municipality was already called Mariano. "Comense" was added in 1863, after the unification of Italy, to differentiate it from homonyms in other parts of Italy.
History
From the origins to the Roman Empire
The first inhabitants of Mariano were most likely Paleolithic people, as evidenced by rare findings of stone objects potentially dating back to the 8th millennium BC. However, there are not many sources that talk about them. Mariano was an important transit area since the Iron Age, and the territory was already inhabited by the Ligurians, as indicated by the origin of the name. Later, the area was dominated by the Celts and then by the Romans.
From the Middle Ages to the Modern Age
During the High Middle Ages, Mariano was governed by the Lombards, and in the ninth century it came under the control of the Carolingian Empire. In the tenth century, Mariano became an important center for the production of textiles and wool.
In the Modern Age, Mariano underwent numerous invasions and occupations, including those of the Duchy of Milan and the Spanish. Later, the city became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1859.
Economy
Mariano Comense is an important industrial center of Brianza, with numerous companies operating in the fields of mechanics, clothing, and fashion. Some multinational companies are also present in the city. Thanks to its industrial development, Mariano Comense has seen a constant demographic growth and an improvement in the standard of living of its population.
What to see
Mariano Comense is a city rich in historical monuments and natural beauties. The main points of interest include the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the church of San Carlo, and the church of Santi Gervasio e Protasio. In addition, it is possible to visit Palazzo Pretorio, Teatro San Rocco, and Villa Zanchi.
For nature lovers, Mariano offers numerous walks in the woods and the Brughiera Briantea, with its artificial lakes, which are a real oasis of peace and natural beauty.
Local cuisine
The cuisine of Mariano Comense, like that of the whole Brianza, is very rich and delicious. Among the best-known local specialties are "tortelli di zucca" (tortellini filled with pumpkin and amaretti), "cassoeula," and "polenta taragna" (polenta with cheese, butter, and cream). In addition, visitors cannot leave Mariano without trying typical local products such as cold cuts, cheeses, and rye bread.
Conclusion
In summary, Mariano Comense is a city that offers numerous surprises for the visitor. Rich in history, monuments, and natural beauties, it is also an important industrial center that has been able to combine economic development with an increasingly high quality of life for its citizens. With its unique culinary specialties and strategic location, Mariano Comense is a tourist destination not to be missed.
