Gerenzano
Greetings from Gerenzano
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Gerenzano, a beautiful Lombard municipality located a few kilometers from Saronno, along the road that connects Milan to Varese.
Physical geography
Gerenzano is located in the high Lombard plain, at the foot of the Alps and on the right bank of the Seveso river. The landscape around the municipality is characterized by the presence of numerous cultivated fields and a large green area that houses the Renghi Park. In addition, the municipality is surrounded by other inhabited centers such as Cesate, Uboldo, Rescaldina and Bollate.
History
The history of Gerenzano dates back to Roman times when the municipality was known as Giranzanum and the Mediolanum-Bilitio road passed through it, connecting Milan to Lugano via Varese. During the Middle Ages, Gerenzano followed the events of the Seprio county and six churches were built during that period, and perhaps even a seventh dedicated to St. Ambrose. The presence of a church is mentioned in a document dated April 2, 712, while a deed of exchange from March 932 speaks of the presence of a church dedicated to St. Peter.
Gerenzano was a fiefdom of the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro di Pavia and was cited as a court to indicate its role as an agricultural center. Over the centuries, many prestigious figures have taken turns, such as the monk Giovanni de Villarasca, who was the tutor of the Benedictine seat in 1178, and Cardinal Federico Visconti, who visited the municipality in 1687 and reported the existence of another church, dedicated to St. James the Apostle.
Curiosities
One curiosity about Gerenzano concerns its language: the municipality is part of the so-called Lombard Switzerland, an area of Lombardy where both Milanese dialect and Ticinese are spoken. In particular, in Gerenzano, the Western Lombard dialect is spoken, which is very different from Milanese due to the presence of numerous Ticinese terms.
What to see in Gerenzano
There are several interesting things to see in Gerenzano, such as the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which is the current central parish of the town. This church has a double facade with a bell tower that is 70 meters high and dates back to 1878.
Another place of interest is the Renghi Park, a large green area that houses numerous sports activities such as football, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. In addition, the park has a picnic area, a restaurant, and a playground for children.
Conclusions
I hope this brief presentation of Gerenzano has helped you get to know one of the most beautiful municipalities in Lombardy a little better. Gerenzano is a city rich in history, culture, and nature, known for its particular language and strategic location a few kilometers from Milan and the Alps. If you have the opportunity, I recommend visiting it and discovering all its hidden treasures!
