Carpi (Modena)

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Carpi
Municipal coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Emilia-Romagna
Province	Modena (MO)
Mayor	Enrico Campedelli
Elevation	28 m
Area	131 km²
Population
- Total (as of August 31, 2005)	64,195
- Density	466/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	44°47′N 10°53′E
Gentilic	Carpigiani
Dialing code	059
Postal code	41012
Patron	San Bernardino da Siena
- Day	May 20
Website: www.carpidiem.it

Carpi is a town of 64.195 people (as of August 2005) in province of Modena in the region Emilia Romagna (in northern Italy).

Carpi is distinguished by its great square (piazza), the largest in the region. [1]

Notable landmarks include the Renaissance town hall, formerly the castle of the Pio family, lords of Carpi from 1319 to 1525; the cathedral (begun 1514), with a Baroque facade (1667); the Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Castello, or La Sagra.

The name "Carpi" is derived from carpinus betulus, a hornbeam tree particularly widespread in medieval times in the Po valley region.

The foundation by the Lombard king Aistulf of St. Mary's church in the castle in 752 was the first step in the settlement of the city.