Azzano San Paolo
Azzano San Paolo: a dive into history and present
Welcome to Azzano San Paolo, a small town located in the province of Bergamo in north Italy with a population of about 7500. Today, we will be your guides to discover some interesting aspects of this place with ancient history.
History
Azzano San Paolo has Roman origins, and its name may derive from a noble owner at that time, Attius. However, the first official mention dates back to 875 in a testament that cites a certain Agemundi de Aciano as a witness. The history of the town has been influenced by various dominations, including the Longobards and the Holy Roman Empire.
During the Middle Ages, Azzano San Paolo was part of important fights between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions. Due to its role as an outpost of the city of Bergamo, numerous fortifications were built, including towers and a castle.
A significant event in the history of the town was the concession granted in 1083 to the serfs to have the ownership of houses, lands and other properties. This permission, anticipating by centuries the European democratic achievements, was granted by Count Alberto, son of Arduino III.
From the 18th century, Azzano San Paolo passed under the control of the Republic of Venice, then of the Cisalpine Republic and finally of the Lombardo-Veneto Kingdom until it was definitively annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1859.
Monuments and places of interest
Azzano San Paolo is a place that boasts numerous tourist attractions. One of the most important monuments is the Church of San Paolo, also known as the "Old Church" by the inhabitants of the town. It already existed in the 15th century and was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1705. The side aisles were added in 1886 according to the design of the architect Antonio Piccinelli. The bell tower, on the other hand, was built in 1731 and is detached from the church.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Azzano San Paolo was granted by the President of the Republic in 1956. The coat of arms features a tower, symbolizing the medieval fortifications of the town, and two ears of wheat, representing the importance of agriculture for the economy of the municipality.
Economy
Until the end of World War II, Azzano San Paolo was a small village of farmers. However, with the advent of industrialization in the 1960s and 1970s, the population of the town increased three times, and the economy diversified. Today, Azzano San Paolo is a suitable area for industrial settlements due to its proximity to the city of Bergamo.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Azzano San Paolo is a place that encompasses a long history, made of dominations, fights, and democratic concessions. However, the town also looks to the future, developing the economy thanks to industrialization and welcoming new residents from different parts of the world. If you happen to be in the area, don't hesitate to pay a visit!
