History

The area, formerly known as “Court Garlinda”, was already inhabited back in Roman times. Garlate was built atop a rocky ridge, overlooking the lake that shares its name. Originally established as a military and civil outpost, it later became the head parish of some twenty settlements spanning from Calolzio to Civate. The earliest written records date back to 985. Throughout its history, the village primarily thrived as an agricultural town with a minimal focus on fishing. It wasn’t until the Austrian era that spinning mills began to emerge along the Molina stream. The village’s historical narrative is closely intertwined with that of the provincial capital. After falling under Lombard rule, it was taken over by the Visconti family in the 14th century, falling under the sphere of Milanese influence. It belonged to one of the twelve parishes and soon ascended to parish head, overseeing ecclesiastical affairs in 42 parishes, including those in the San Martino Valley. However, around the 16th century, it was merged by St. Charles Borromeo with the parish of Olginate, thus losing its former influence.