Montemezzo
Montemezzo: a small municipality rich in history and culture
Montemezzo is a municipality in the province of Como, located in Lombardy, and is part of the Western Upper Lario Mountain Community. With its population of 219, this small town is rich in history, culture, and interesting monuments to visit.
History
The history of Montemezzo dates back to Prehistory, as demonstrated by the boulders excavated by Coppella and found in the area at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1335, the municipality was mentioned in the Statutes of Como as "comune de Medio montis Surici," a place that was part of the Pieve di Olonio and was responsible for maintaining the Via Regina.
After the relocation of the pleban seat from Olonio to Sorico in 1456, Montemezzo followed the fate of the Pieve di Sorico and then that of Gravedona and Dongo, to form the Upper Three Pieve of the lake. The town was granted in fief to various noble families, such as the Crivelli, the Medici, and the Gallio, until the mid-18th century.
During the Kingdom of Italy, Montemezzo was moved within the municipality of Gera Lario but this decision was revoked with the Restoration.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of the municipality of Montemezzo were granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 2007. The flag is a white drapery with a blue border, while the three mountains represent the name of the town.
Monuments and places of interest
Montemezzo is full of monuments and places of interest, especially religious architecture.
Church of San Martino
The Church of San Martino di Tours was built in the first half of the 15th century, and was the seat of a parish starting from 1480, after separating from the Pieve di Sorico. The church underwent several interventions over the centuries, such as the construction of the two chapels that required the demolition of the side walls of the original structure.
The facade of the church is gabled and features a porch and a Renaissance portal. Inside, there are the left altar and many works of art, including the "Crucifixion," "Universal Judgment," "Evangelists," and the four main "Doctors of the Church."
Other religious architecture
In addition to the Church of San Martino, Montemezzo boasts other interesting religious architectures to visit, such as the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Gera Lario and the Church of San Rocco in Domaso.
Conclusions
Montemezzo is a small pearl of the province of Como, a municipality rich in history, culture, and interesting monuments to visit. The Church of San Martino di Tours is worth a visit, as well as the other religious architectures present in the area. Additionally, the breathtaking views offered by the mountains surrounding the town make Montemezzo the ideal place for nature and hiking enthusiasts.
