Samarate
Welcome to Samarate!
Hello everyone! Today I'll talk to you about Samarate, a municipality located in the province of Varese in Lombardy. With its 16,035 inhabitants, Samarate was granted the title of city on February 2, 2009 and has been twinned with Yeovil, in England, since 2001. I'll tell you about the physical geography, history, and culture of this enchanting place.
Physical geography
Geology and hydrography
The territory of Samarate is located in Lombardy, in the Po Valley, and covers an area of about 15 square kilometers. The area is flat and the altitude is around 221 meters above sea level. The Arno, once a dangerous flood carrier, is the focal point of the local hydrography, with embankments built at the end of the 19th century.
Seismology
As for seismology, Samarate has low seismicity and a very low seismic classification, classified as zone 4 by the national Civil Protection Department.
Climate
The climate of Samarate is typical of the northern Italian plains, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall is mainly concentrated in autumn and spring. The village belongs to the E climatic zone.
History
Origins
The Samarate area has been inhabited since ancient times and the first archaeological evidence dates back to the Iron Age. In the 7th century BC, there were the first contacts with Etruscan civilization. In the Gallic-Celtic period, from the 3rd to the 2nd century BC, the Samarate area was conquered by the Romans, who left several tombs and small residential settlements in the village.
The medieval period
The first written document of the Samarate territory dates back to AD 973 and consists of a parchment preserved today in the archive of the church of Santa Maria di Novara. In this document, the name "Samarate" appears for the first time. The influence of Milan from the 12th century became increasingly evident with the Visconti's conquest of the Samarate territory.
Culture
Samarate is famous for its fraction of Cascina Costa, which houses one of the world's largest helicopter companies: Leonardo Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland), which produces helicopters already used in several countries worldwide.
The Parish Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, built in the 13th century, represents an important historical and cultural heritage. The church has been renovated and expanded over the centuries and today has a Romanesque-Gothic style. In addition, the Canavese Palace is another important historical monument of the city, characterized by its eighteenth-century architecture.
The patron saint festival of Samarate is held in honor of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, on June 19, and represents one of the most anticipated moments of the year. During the festival, the streets of the village are filled with stalls, games, and local gastronomy. Furthermore, the traditional parade of allegorical floats is very suggestive and engaging.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Samarate is a city where past and present blend, creating a unique and fascinating setting. Its millennial history and geographical location make it an interesting tourist destination, where it's possible to visit historical monuments, participate in popular festivals, and discover the local culture and tradition. Welcome to Samarate, where the beauty of the Varese province will surprise you!
