Location
Castelmarte sits in the Triangolo Lariano, about 12 km east of Como, not far from Canzo and the nature trails of the Valassina. It borders Canzo, Caslino d’Erba, Erba, Ponte Lambro and Proserpio.
History
The place name, of Roman origin, denoted a fortification of the Lepontic settlement of Kānts; in the Middle Ages the village was known as “Castelmartoro” (Castellum Martyrum, castle of the martyrs). It passed to the Chapter of Monza in 1100 and obtained its own statutes in 1237. In 1285 its people backed the Visconti in their disputes, suffering in reprisal the devastation of the Torriani; by 1346 it is recorded among the municipalities of the Squadra di Canzo. In 1405 it became part of the Corte di Casale and in 1472 was made a fief of the Missaglia family by Galeazzo Maria Sforza; it then passed to the Carpani and, from 1677 to 1777, to the Crivelli of Inverigo. A Napoleonic decree of 1807 merged it with Canzo, but the Austrian Restoration re-established it as an independent municipality.
What to see
- Church of San Giovanni Evangelista: a Baroque parish church from 1870, home to three Roman busts dating to the end of the 1st century AD.
- Torre del Castello: 14th century, today part of the town hall.
- Oratory of San Rocco: documented since 1569.
- Villa Ferrario: bordered by a wall probably of medieval origin, today the seat of the town hall; from here starts Via Scalinata della Vigna, a stepped street with an unusual view over the village.
- The small historic centre, gathered among hills and woods.
What to do
The village is a waypoint for walks and excursions toward the nearby Valassina and the nature trails of the Triangolo Lariano.
Getting there
Local bus lines connect Castelmarte to Erba and to Caslino d’Erba-Ponte Lambro station (Trenord R16); by car you take the SP41 between Canzo and Erba.
Festivities
Last Sunday of August — Saint John the Evangelist, patron saint of Castelmarte.
Practical information
A member municipality of the Comunità Montana del Triangolo Lariano.