Cantù

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For the surname, see Cantù (surname).
"Cantu" redirects here. For the place formerly called Cantu in California, see Andrade, California.
Cantù
Comune
Città di Cantù

Coat of arms
Cantù
Location of Cantù in Italy
Coordinates: 45°44′N 09°08′E / 45.733°N 9.133°E / 45.733; 9.133Coordinates: 45°44′N 09°08′E / 45.733°N 9.133°E / 45.733; 9.133
Country Italy
Region Lombardy
Province Como (CO)
Frazioni Vighizzolo, Fecchio, Mirabello, Cascina Amata, Asnago
Government
 • Mayor Claudio Bizzozero
Area
 • Total 23 km2 (9 sq mi)
Elevation 370 m (1,210 ft)
Population
 • Total 39,036
 • Density 1,700/km2 (4,400/sq mi)
Demonym Canturini
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 22063
Dialing code 031
Patron saint Saint Apollonia
Saint day February 9
Website Official website

Cantù (Cantü in local Lombard) is a city and comune in the Province of Como, located at the center of the Brianza zone in Lombardy. It is the second largest city in Brianza.

History

Cantù was a source of conflict between the cities of Milan and Como. The Sforza of Milan took control permanently in the 15th century.

Main sights

Detail from the life of St Christopher (c.1000), from the nave of the Basilica of Galliano.

The main attraction of Cantù is the Basilica di San Vincenzo in the frazione Galliano, which was consecrated in 1007 by the future Archbishop of Milan, Ariberto da Intimiano. The building was sold in 1801 to become a private dwelling, before being bought by the municipality in 1909 and reconsecrated in 1934. The basilica contains the oldest frescoes in Lombardy consisting of series of stories from the Bible and the saints. The frescoes in the apse are especially fine, and those in the nave probably by this master painter's followers.[1] Other sights are the Piazza Garibaldi, named for Giuseppe Garibaldi, and the San Paolo Church, whose bell tower is one of the symbol of the city.

Sport

Pallacanestro Cantù, the basketball club of the city, won the European Champions Cup twice in 1982 and 1983.

Twin towns

Transportation

Cantù is served by Cantù railway station and Cantù-Cermenate railway station.

References

  1. ↑ J. Ainaud, Romanesque Painting (London: Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 1963), pp. 6-7



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