Merate
Discovering Merate: a city of Brianza
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Merate, a city in Brianza, Lombardy. With its 14,380 inhabitants, it's a medium-sized town, but full of charm.
Physical Geography
Merate is located in a hilly area, surrounded by a very green territory that extends for 11.07 square kilometers. The population density is 1350 inhabitants per square kilometer. Merate's territory borders with other municipalities in the province of Lecco, such as Calco, Cernusco Lombardone, Imbersago, Montevecchia, Olgiate Molgora, Osnago, Robbiate, and Ronco Briantino.
Climate
The climate in Merate is temperate, with precipitation predominantly concentrated in spring and autumn. In summer, temperatures can rise significantly, but usually do not exceed 35 degrees Celsius. In winter, rain is scarce, but snow falls intermittently between November and March.
Origins of the Name
The name Merate seems to date back to the Gallo-Roman era. In the past, the city was called Melate, but then the name evolved into its current form. There are several theories about the origin of the name: some believe it is derived from the Greek "melas," which means dark, due to the presence of numerous forests; others believe the name is related to apple cultivation that once characterized the area.
History
The history of Merate is long and interesting. The city appears for the first time in a document from 926, but it is thought that the settlement already existed in Roman times. Over the centuries, Merate underwent various influences and power struggles. It was one of the first free municipalities established in Brianza, but also suffered damages from the fights between the Della Torre and the Visconti for supremacy in Milan. The castle and fortifications in Sabbioncello were destroyed, but the city recovered and became one of the most important municipalities in the area.
Places to Visit
Merate offers many interesting places to visit. The Merate Castle, of which only some remains remain, is a historic site that I recommend not to miss. Also, the parish church of Saints Gervaso and Protaso, dating back to the fifteenth century, is a place of great charm. Don't forget to take a walk in the park of Villa Confalonieri, a splendid eighteenth-century villa that offers a panoramic view of the entire city.
What to Eat
Merate's cuisine is typical of the Brianza tradition, with simple but very tasty dishes. You cannot miss the handmade fresh tagliolini with porcini mushroom sauce or the red wine braised beef accompanied by polenta. And if you want something sweet, try the "torta paesana," made with chocolate and hazelnuts.
Conclusions
The city of Merate is a suggestive place, with ancient charm and a very long history. If you have a chance to pass by, you can't miss visiting it. I hope this summary has been useful and has made you want to discover Merate in person!
