Cantù is a city with a long history, associated in the past with nearby Milan. It is known primarily for the Romanesque church with the oldest preserved frescoes in Lombardy.
The city was founded in Roman times and has been the object of rivalry between Milan and Como since the Middle Ages. The conflict concerned the control of the trade route running through these territories. Eventually, Cantù fell under the control of the Sforza family of Milan and experienced its golden age during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
In the city center, the historic, medieval and renaissance buildings have been preserved, although partially supplemented with new buildings. The main social life is centered around Garibaldi Square. The most important monument and attraction of Cantù is the Romanesque Basilica of San Vincenzo, built in the early 11th century. It is located in one of the city's neighborhoods, Galliano. Inside there are the oldest frescoes in Lombardy depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and the saints.
