Castellanza
Castellanza: the city on the Olona Valley, Varese
Castellanza is a Lombard city located in the province of Varese and it is situated on the border with the metropolitan city of Milan. Its location makes it an important reference point for the surrounding area, being surrounded by the conurbation of Busto Arsizio, Legnano, and Olgiate Olona. The city, which became a municipality in 1948, currently has a population of 14,246.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Castellanza extends along the Olona Valley, a hilly area characterized by a favorable continental climate. The city plan is made up of two historical nuclei: Castellanza and Castegnate, placed on the two sides of the valley. The Olona River separates the two parts of the municipality.
Climate
The climate of Castellanza is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, often characterized by many days of frost. Summers have a warm and humid climate, with temperatures that can exceed 30°C and a humidity reaching 90%, causing that phenomenon of humid warmth commonly called "afa". The disturbances of Atlantic-Mediterranean or Arctic-Russian origin are the main causes of atmospheric precipitation.
History
Ancient Age
Castegnate, one of the two historical nuclei of the city, has ancient origins and can be traced back to the Insubrian period, when the Insubrians dominated the area. The city was already inhabited by Celts and Romans, as evidenced by the remains of the Gallo-Roman necropolis found in the area and the artifacts preserved in the Sutermeister Civic Museum of Legnano. A Roman road, the Severian Augusta Way, which connected Milan to Lake Maggiore, also passed through Castegnate.
Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Castellanza played an important role in defending the borders of the Duchy of Milan. In the thirteenth century, a bridge was built over the Olona Valley, allowing greater circulation between the two parts of the city. In addition, numerous defense towers were built, all demolished after the fall of the Visconti.
Modern Age
In the seventeenth century, Castellanza experienced a period of development thanks to silk production, a characteristic industry of the area. In the Napoleonic period, the city was part of the Verbano Department.
Contemporary Age
In the twentieth century, with the industrial expansion of the area, Castellanza began its growth and transformation from a village to a city. In 1948, it became an autonomous municipality. In 1974, Castellanza was recognized as a city, by decree of the President of the Republic.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Church of San Pietro Apostolo
The Church of San Pietro Apostolo is the main place of worship in the city. Built in the fourteenth century, it was renovated in the seventeenth century in Baroque style. It preserves numerous precious works of art inside, including sixteenth-century frescoes and paintings by Giovanni Battista Discepoli.
Villa Mylius Vigoni
Villa Mylius Vigoni is an eighteenth-century villa located in Castellanza, on the left bank of the Olona River. It is a historic residence that preserves its original structure, enriched by numerous neoclassical decorations.
Cascina del Pozzo
Cascina del Pozzo is an ancient farmhouse dating back to the eighteenth century, located a stone's throw from the Church of San Pietro Apostolo. Today, it hosts cultural events and art exhibitions.
Economy
The economy of Castellanza is mainly based on industry, especially in the mechanical and construction sectors. There are numerous companies operating internationally in the city.
Conclusions
Castellanza is a city that combines the beauty of the surrounding territory with the economic and cultural vitality of the area. Its location makes it an important reference point for the surrounding area, and thanks to its history, it offers visitors numerous opportunities to discover the origins of local culture.
