Casirate d'Adda
Welcome to Casirate d'Adda: The Story of a Small Bergamo Village
Welcome to Casirate d'Adda, a charming town in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy, located on the left bank of the Adda River. With a population of just over 4,000 inhabitants, Casirate d'Adda is famous for its millennial history, picturesque landscapes, and the production of high-quality cheese. Let's discover the history of this Bergamo village together.
The Roman Origins of Casirate d'Adda
The Roman name for Casirate d'Adda was "Caxiratum," and it passed through the "via Mediolanum-Brixia." This road connected "Mediolanum" (Milan) with "Brixia" (Brescia), also passing through "Cassano d'Adda." Casirate d'Adda was an important stop on the Roman road, and it is from that road that the current village takes its name.
The Millennial History of Casirate d'Adda
The origins of the village of Casirate d'Adda are not entirely clear, but what we do know is that the first stable settlements date back to the end of the Roman Empire, with increases in population even in the subsequent period that saw the arrival of the Lombards. The first written document attesting to the existence of the village dates back to the year 774: it is a will of a longobard resident, named Taido, who donated some of his properties to the church of Santa Maria located "in loco Caseriate."
The Importance of the Dairy Industry in Casirate
The toponym "Casirate" seems to derive from the term "casèra," which indicates a place where cheese is produced and aged. Indeed, in this respect, the territory of Casirate was interested in a considerable amount of land used for grazing, which favored the development of the dairy industry. Therefore, it is not surprising that the production of high-quality cheese is still one of the most important features of the village.
Casirate d'Adda in the Middle Ages
In the medieval period, Casirate d'Adda changed hands several times, passing from the control of the Duchy of Treviglio to that of the parish of Arzago, then becoming part of the Marchesato di Caravaggio commanded by the Sforza family. The village was at the center of numerous disputes, including clashes between Guelfs and Ghibellines, which led to the construction of fortifications and a castle, initially owned by the Torriani family and later by the Milanese Visconti family.
The Conflicts Between Casirate and Treviglio
Despite its loyalty to the city of Milan, Casirate d'Adda was not immune to conflicts with neighboring towns. One of the main contenders was Treviglio, an important center in the Bergamo plain, which claimed payment of duties for the irrigation exploitation of the canal that satisfied the agricultural needs of Casirate. This rivalry led to the creation of the irrigation canal "Roggia Vailata," which still supplies water to the territory of Casirate today.
Illustrious Figures of Casirate d'Adda
Casirate d'Adda has had the privilege of having among its residents also people of great importance, including Enrichetta Blondel, the first wife of Alessandro Manzoni. The Blondel family lived in Casirate d'Adda, and in fact, Villa Blondel is an important historical place in the village, today used for various cultural activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Casirate d'Adda is a city that attracts visitors for its millennial history, its dairy production, and the natural beauty of the surrounding territory. If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and immerse yourself in the local culture, Casirate d'Adda is the perfect place for you. Come and discover this Lombardy gem and its glorious millennial history!
