Cassago Brianza
Cassago Brianza: A town with ancient history
Cassago Brianza is a town located in the province of Lecco, Lombardy, which has a population of about 4,374 inhabitants. This municipality was founded in 1927 through the merger of two smaller towns, Cassago and Oriano Brianza. Its history can be traced back to ancient times, particularly in the belief that Saint Augustine lived here during the 4th century AD.
Origin of the name
The name Cassago may have been mentioned for the first time by Augustine of Hippo in Book IX of his Confessions. It seems that Augustine referred to Cassago as "Cassiciaco", but this hypothesis is not completely certain, since there are other places where Augustine is believed to have stayed.
History
The area was already part of the monastery of Pontida and the chapter of Monza, and in 1162 it was granted as a fiefdom to Benedetto d'Assia by Frederick Barbarossa. After various owners, including the Visconti di Modrone family, who marked the history of Cassago, in 1927 the municipality was officially founded through the unification of the towns of Cassago and Oriano Brianza.
Monuments and places of interest
The municipality of Cassago Brianza is known for preserving many historical monuments, which testify to the ancient history of the region. Among these are churches and religious architectures, including the Church of Santi Giacomo and Brigida built in the 18th century and the Visconti di Modrone Mausoleum, located in the locality of Tremoncino in Cassago. The municipality also has civil architectures, such as the Villa Romagnoli, a Baroque-style building, and the Torrione on via Fiume, a probable ancient signalling tower.
Society
Cassago Brianza is a multicultural city, with a population of about 4,374 inhabitants. Foreign residents in the municipality represent about 8.4% of the population. The most substantial groups of foreign residents are Moroccans, Senegalese, Albanians, and Indians.
Places and culture
The Sant'Agostino Walk is a religious itinerary that crosses Brianza and stops at Cassago Brianza. This itinerary recalls the journey taken by Saint Augustine during his stay in Brianza. Additionally, other important places linked to Saint Augustine can be visited such as the Rus Cassiciacum of Saint Augustine, the Chapel of Saint Augustine, and the churches of Cassago.
In summary, Cassago Brianza is a municipality rich in history and culture, which preserves valuable monuments and places within it. Its history dates back to ancient times, and its multiculturalism is one of its added values.
