Cassano d'Adda
Welcome to Cassano d'Adda: a guide to the territory
Hello everyone and welcome to Cassano d'Adda! Today I will take you on a journey to discover this beautiful city in Lombardy, famous for the numerous battles fought at the crossing on the Adda River, which separated the Duchy of Milan from the Republic of Venice.
Physical geography
The territory of Cassano d'Adda is divided into two parts by the Adda River. The right bank of the river remains high up to 15-20 meters, while the left bank is flat. Here, the river widens into a large bed in which the waters are divided into numerous channels, separated by gravelly and woody islets. The altitude of the land varies from 144 meters to 115 meters.
The eastern part of the city is formed by a water area, where the Adda branches into several channels in front of the village, an island area that includes the Isola Ponti between the Adda and the Muzza, the Linificio Island, the Bosco Bertolino Island and many other islands between the Adda and the Muzza. There is also an agricultural area with farms Taranta, Bruciata and the hamlet of Cascine San Pietro, etc.
The western part, on the other hand, can be divided into a plain of Linificio and a plain upon which flows the Muzza, as well as a higher and sloping area from North to South. The area to the right of the Adda river has a more brownish soil due to the presence, in more significant quantities, of organic substances and has earthy particles mixed with coarse parts.
The Cassanoese territory is located almost in the center of Lombardy. On clear days, you can see Monte Rosa, the Corni di Canzo, the Grigne, the Resegone, the Cima di Menna, the Arera, the Alben, the Presolana and the Gölem (Monte Guglielmo) as well as other peaks in Como, Lecco, Bergamo, and Brescia towards the North, and the long chain of the Emilian Apennines towards the South.
History
Cassano d'Adda has a rich history of events and important people. It has been the scene of numerous battles, including the one fought between Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and the Milanese in 1158. Moreover, it was the scene of important crossings of people like the Ghibelline condottiero Ezzelino III da Romano in 1259, Prince Eugene of Savoy in 1705, and General Aleksandr Vasil'evič Suvorov in 1799.
Not only historical and military figures, but also prominent figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, King Victor Emmanuel II, and Emperor Napoleon III played a role in the history of Cassano d'Adda. The city experienced a period of great industrial development during the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks especially to the presence of important textile establishments, of which the Linificio and Canapificio Nazionale are just some examples.
Monuments and tourist attractions
Cassano d'Adda offers numerous tourist attractions, such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Bozzola, where a sacred image of the Virgin dating back to the 15th century is kept.
The historic center is rich in buildings and monuments of various periods and styles, such as the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, the Palazzo Borromeo d'Adda, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Tower of Barbarossa, which owes its name to the emperor himself.
The city is also famous for its cemetery, which houses numerous tombs of illustrious figures including the Borromeo family and the painter Giovanni Migliara.
Cuisine and typical products
Like every Italian city, Cassano d'Adda has a rich and tasty cuisine, which makes use of high-quality local products.
Among the typical products of the area are salami, cheeses, and the famous mixed boiled meat with green sauce, a dish that represents the Lombard culinary tradition.
The Austro-Hungarian influence is also felt in the choice of desserts such as the krapfen, a kind of donut filled with custard cream, and the Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with a tasty jam inside. Also worth trying are the coconut cookies, typical of the city.
Events and festivals
Cassano d'Adda is a lively and active city, with numerous events and festivals that take place throughout the year.
One of the most important festivals is that of San Giovanni Battista, the patron saint of the city, which is celebrated with a procession and a solemn mass on June 24 of each year. The Martesana Blues Festival is instead an unmissable music event that takes place in the month of September.
During the Christmas period, you can attend the Santa Claus parade, the preparation of traditional fish soup, and the opening of the Christmas markets.
Conclusions
Here is a brief guide to the treasures of Cassano d'Adda. I hope to have intrigued you enough to bring you to visit this splendid city, which will give you unique emotions and discoveries. What are you waiting for to book your trip? My city awaits you with open arms!
