Carignano
Discovering Carignano: history and architectural beauties
Carignano is a charming hamlet of the municipality of Parma, located about 9.82 km southwest of the city center. Inhabited by 939 people, the hamlet is situated in an agricultural area not far from the first hills of the Parmense Apennines and extends into the territory that includes the Cinghio and Baganza streams. Do you want to learn more about this hamlet and its wonders? Then read our article!
Physical Geography
Carignano is a village that is in an optimal position for those who love the tranquility of the countryside, but do not want to be too far from the city center. The hamlet is only 9.82 km from the center of Parma and is located in a very suggestive agricultural area. The area extends from the first hills of the Parmense Apennines to the Cinghio and Baganza streams, creating a unique landscape.
History
Although the village of Carignano is small in size, its history is very interesting. The territory of Carignano was inhabited already in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the discovery of some artifacts dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Among the most important historical periods, we remember the Middle Ages, during which the Garagnani family took its name from the toponym of the village. In 1650, the Duchy of Parma assigned the fiefs of Felino and Carignano to the Lampugnani marquises, one of the most important families of the time. The Lampugnani maintained their rights over Carignano until the beginning of the 18th century, when the doctor Giuseppe Cervi purchased the villa with its land.
Monuments and places of interest
Church of San Pietro apostolo
One of the most important attractions of Carignano is certainly the Church of San Pietro apostolo. The church was first mentioned in 1005, but was completely reconstructed in Baroque architecture style in 1712, at the behest of Giuseppe Cervi. In 1741, the church had a monumental facade, while in 1937 Anselmo Govi decorated it internally. The building was completely restored externally between 2015 and 2016. Inside, you can admire the exquisite altarpiece depicting the "Martyrdom of San Pietro", painted by Gaetano Gandolfi in 1770, and the side chapels.
Villa Malenchini
Another wonder of Carignano is Villa Malenchini, probably built in the 16th century for the Lampugnani marquises. The villa is an example of Renaissance architecture and was purchased at the end of the 17th century by Giuseppe Cervi. The villa was decorated in Rococo architecture style in the 18th century and expanded with the addition of the two lateral bodies at the beginning of the 19th century. Later, it was sold after belonging to the Corradi Cervi marquises, the Zileri family, and the Monticelli marquises. In the 19th century, the villa was purchased by Lodovico Peirano and then by Count Edilio Raggio, who donated it to his daughter Fortuny, the wife of the Marquis Luigi Malenchini. The villa is surrounded by a park of 15 hectares with a gentlemanly chapel, a fake stone source, a neo-Baroque nymphaeum, and a serpentine lake. Inside, you can admire various rooms decorated with frescoes painted by the Renaissance painter Cesare Baglioni.
Conclusions
Carignano is a unique hamlet, offering tranquility and architectural beauties. Those who visit this location cannot but be fascinated by the Church of San Pietro apostolo and the splendid Villa Malenchini. Furthermore, the territory of the hamlet offers numerous opportunities for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and local agriculture. If you are looking for a place to escape from daily routine, Carignano is the perfect destination!
