Arzago d'Adda
Arzago d'Adda: The Town
Arzago d'Adda, also known as Arsàch in the local dialect, is a small town in Lombardy, located in the province of Bergamo. With a population of approximately 2719 inhabitants, Arzago d'Adda is situated in the southwestern Bergamo plains, at the edge of the provincial territory.
History of Arzago d'Adda
Arzago d'Adda is one of the oldest towns in the Gera d'Adda area. It is known to have been inhabited even in pre-Roman times by the Ligurians, but it was the Romans who founded a pagus, one of the first stable and organized settlements in the area. It is during this period that the name Arzago d'Adda is believed to have originated from the personal name Arezio. In 1985, the remains of a Roman villa dating back to the 4th century were discovered, which is thought to have been part of the 'Fondo Areziaco', the property of Arezio.
Among the remains of the Roman era, a terracotta container containing coins minted by Emperor Antoninus Pius in the 2nd century was discovered in 1817. The quantity of coins was considerable but unfortunately, it disappeared due to the local population. However, in the following periods, numerous excavations were carried out in search of further treasures.
The period following the Roman Empire was characterized by the raids of the barbarian tribes, followed by the arrival of the Lombards. In 774, the document "Testamento di Taidone" was found, which mentioned the existence of the ancient Church of San Lorenzo.
With the advent of the Middle Ages, the town was hit by the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines. At that time, Arzago d'Adda was equipped with defensive fortifications, including some towers and a castle, of which the family of the 'de' Capitani' held the feudalism from 1030. Moreover, the tradition of the newly elected podestà embracing a cut column dating back to the Roman period and swearing an oath was consolidated.
In the following centuries, Arzago d'Adda came under the domain of the Duchy of Milan, which incorporated the Cremonese municipalities of the Gera d'Adda area. This domination lasted until 1797.
The Carcano and Sessa Families
Between the 15th and 17th centuries, the power of a branch of the Carcano family, a Milanese patrician family, grew in Arzago d'Adda. They held the religious office of 'prevosto d'Arzago' for five consecutive generations, so much so that the family name 'Carcano d'Arzago' became common.
In the eighteenth century, a branch of the noble Sessa family appeared, which would have held the patronage of the countryside church of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary at Cascina Ravaiola. This took place following the marriage celebrated in Milan in 1699 between Giuseppe Maria Sessa and Livia Binaghi, whose family already possessed substantial assets in the nearby Brignano Gera d'Adda.
Conclusion
In summary, the history of Arzago d'Adda dates back to pre-Roman times and boasts significant remains from the Roman era. The town was also the scene of struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines and underwent the dominion of the Duchy of Milan. The Carcano and Sessa families were influential in the history of the town. Today, Arzago d'Adda is a quiet and charming place that boasts a beautiful historical and cultural heritage.
