Baranzate
Welcome to Baranzate
Hello everyone! Today I will tell you a bit about the history of Baranzate, a municipality in the metropolitan city of Milan with a population of 11,861 inhabitants. It is located just 7 kilometers from the center of Milan and was created in 2004 by splitting from the municipality of Bollate.
History of Baranzate
The first mention of Baranzate is found in a Longobard code dating back to 994 AD, under the name "Balanziate". In 1235, the existence of the municipality of Baranzate was documented, and many of the lands belonged to the monasteries of Milan. In the Late Middle Ages, the economy was mainly based on agriculture, with a central nucleus surrounded by fields and vineyards. In 1450, the Sforza family took control of the area and introduced mulberry trees for silk production, which flourished until the beginning of the 20th century.
Later, in 1530, the feudal territory of Desio, to which Baranzate belonged, was elevated to a marquisate and became the property of the Gallarati counts. In 1580, the territory was auctioned by the Senate of Milan due to the lack of heirs and was acquired by the Manriquez brothers. In the 17th century, a new church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, was built on the ruins of the ancient chapel. In 1713, the Duchy of Milan passed under the control of Austria, and a census promoted by Maria Theresa of Austria was conducted.
With the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte came the abolition of feudalism and monastic orders, and Baranzate was annexed for the first time to Bollate. The chapel became the property of the Lainati family in 1833. In 1869, with the Royal Decree signed by Vittorio Emanuele II, the municipality of Baranzate was annexed to the municipality of Bollate. In 1880, the chapel and many lands passed to the Erba family. In 1895, the Erba establishment was replaced by Leon Beaux. During this period, sericulture constituted a source of income for the local farming families. In 1900, the chapel passed to the Visconti di Modrone family, and in 1936, Baranzate had 851 inhabitants.
Population growth in the 1960s
In the 1960s, Baranzate experienced strong population growth, thanks to migration flows from all regions of Italy. In 1957, the new "Church of Our Lady of Mercy" was built, designed by architects Angelo Mangiarotti and Bruno Morassutti, and inaugurated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini. The church is surrounded by a wall with 14 Stations of the Cross, created in 1958 by sculptor Gino Cosentino. The old chapel in Via Nazario Sauro ceased its religious function and later became the property of the municipality.
Baranzate Today
Today, Baranzate is a modern municipality located in a strategic position near Milan. It is surrounded by nature and green spaces, where sports and outdoor activities can be practiced. The city is well connected by bus and train to the center of Milan and other municipalities in the area.
The inhabitants of Baranzate are very active in the life of the municipality, participating in numerous activities organized throughout the year. Among the most important festivals are the Christmas celebration and the San Giovanni Battista fair in June.
Conclusions
Baranzate is a place that encompasses a long and rich history of events, from the dominations it underwent to the economic activities that characterized its development. Today, the municipality presents itself as a green area close to the center of Milan, ideal for those who want to enjoy the proximity to the city without sacrificing the tranquility of the countryside.
