Gravesano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gravesano
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 Gravesano
Location in Switzerland
Gravesano
Location in Canton of Ticino
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Ticino | |
| District | Lugano | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 0.71 km2 (0.27 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 387 m (1,270 ft) | |
| Population
(Dec 2020 )
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| • Total | 1,359 | |
| • Density | 1,914/km2 (4,960/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
6929
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| Surrounded by | Alto Malcantone, Bedano, Lamone, Manno | |
Gravesano is a small town, also called a municipality, located in the Lugano area of Ticino, a canton (or state) in Switzerland.
Contents
History of Gravesano
Gravesano was first mentioned in old writings in the year 1254. Back then, it was known as de Gravaxana.
The town also includes a small village called Grumo. This village was once home to a medieval castle. This castle was very important and controlled both Gravesano and Grumo, as well as nearby Manno and Bedano.
The castle was on a main road that went from Ponte Tresa to Monte Ceneri Pass. Famous emperors visited it, like Henry II in 1004 and Frederick Barbarossa in 1162.
Over time, the village grew. A church in Gravesano was mentioned in 1192, and the building you see today was built in the late 1500s. In 1609, a church district (called a parish) was set up in Gravesano, which also included Manno and Bedano.
In 1893, a special school was started in Gravesano. It was called the Foundation Matteo Rusca, and it taught secondary school subjects and art.
For a long time, Gravesano was mainly a farming village. But in recent years, it has changed a lot. More industries, shops, and services have moved in. This happened because Gravesano is close to the big city of Lugano and also near a major highway (the A2) and train tracks.
Geography and Land Use
Gravesano covers an area of about 0.69 square kilometers (0.27 square miles). This is how the land is used:
- About 58% of the land is used for farming.
- Around 23% is covered by forests.
- The remaining 48% is built-up, meaning it has buildings or roads.
In the built-up areas, most of the space (36%) is for houses and other buildings. There are also some industrial buildings, roads, and areas for power and water. A small part (about 3%) is used for parks and sports fields.
The municipality of Gravesano is located in the Vedeggio valley, which is part of the Lugano district. It includes the main town of Gravesano and the small village of Grumo.
Gravesano's Coat of Arms
The coat of arms for Gravesano has a special design. It shows a silver sword pointing downwards, with a gold handle. On either side of the sword, there are two silver keys.
These symbols are important because they represent the patron saints of the local church. The key and sword are linked to St. Peter and St. Paul.
Population and People
Gravesano has a population of about 1,068 people. Many people in Gravesano speak Italian, which is the most common language. Some people also speak German and French.
The population of Gravesano has changed over the years. You can see how the number of people living in Gravesano has grown in the chart below:
Economy and Work
Gravesano has a mix of different types of jobs.
- The primary sector involves jobs like farming.
- The secondary sector includes jobs in manufacturing and making things.
- The tertiary sector covers services, like shops, offices, and healthcare.
Many people who live in Gravesano also work there. Some people travel into Gravesano for work, and others travel out to work in different towns. Most people use a private car to get to work, while some use public transportation.
Religion
Most people in Gravesano are Roman Catholic. A smaller number belong to the Swiss Reformed Church. There are also some people who follow other religions.
Education
Switzerland is known for its good education system, and Gravesano is no exception. Many adults in Gravesano have completed higher education.
The education system in Ticino, where Gravesano is located, works like this:
- Kindergarten: Children can attend up to three years of non-mandatory kindergarten.
- Primary School: This program lasts for five years.
- Lower Secondary School: After primary school, students can choose between a two-year middle school (followed by a pre-apprenticeship) or a four-year program to prepare for university.
- Upper Secondary School: This level prepares students for a trade or for university. Students can attend school full-time or part-time while also doing internships or apprenticeships.
- Professional Programs: These programs last three years and prepare students for specific jobs in fields like engineering, nursing, or business.
Many students from Gravesano attend schools within the municipality, while some travel to schools in other towns.
See also
In Spanish: Gravesano para niños
