Gorla Maggiore
Gorla Maggiore: discovering its name and history
Are you curious to learn more about the municipality of Gorla Maggiore? Then you're in the right place! With its population of 4,947, this town in the province of Varese is crossed by the Olona river and is only 10 km from the city of Busto Arsizio. In this article, we'll discover together the secret of its name and its history, from its origins to modern times.
Origins of the name
Let's start with the etymology of the name. The first historical record dates back to 1046 when the territory was known by the Latin name "Gorla Maior," which distinguished it from the neighboring small center called "Gorla Minor." However, the adjective "Maior" has always been a mystery since, in many other places, the term "Superiore" or "Nuovo" was used instead. According to some scholars, such as Dante Olivieri, it could derive from the word "gulula," which means "throat" or "cavity," or from "gurgula" (vortex, whirlpool) due to the violent movement of the Olona river's waters. Others speculate that it may be related to the gorges present in the area that connect the historical center with the valley floor. However, the most recent idea suggests that the term "Maior" could indicate a center that gained greater social and political importance compared to another similarly named center. In summary, the name Gorla Maggiore seems to have been established after the development of the settlement, thanks to the arrival of the Lombards.
History
Ancient times
Let's go back in time and discover what Gorla Maggiore was like during ancient Rome. The city was located in the border area between the Municipium of Comum and Mediolanum, as confirmed by the land delimitations that descend southward. Archaeological research conducted on various Decumanus of the territory has shown that the Gorla Maggiore area was part of the Reticle of Centuriation, a system of land division that dates back to the Roman era. However, due to the nature of the terrain and the scarce archaeological findings, it seems unlikely that there was a stable settlement of colonists already at that time.
Middle Ages
It is with the arrival of the Lombards that the history of Gorla Maggiore begins to take shape. Starting from the 6th century, in fact, the Lombards settled in the area and subjected it to a heavy reorganization of the territory. Between the 7th and 8th centuries, Gorla Maggiore acquired increasing strategic importance thanks to its position between the Duchies of Milan and Pavia. During this period, the Church of Santo Stefano was built, one of the oldest places of worship in the city.
Modern times
In the 15th century, Gorla Maggiore was part of the possessions of the Visconti family, who distinguished themselves for the construction of numerous buildings of historical and artistic value, such as the Ghirlandina Tower. With the arrival of the Borromeo family, the territory was further developed, both economically and culturally: the new municipal palace was built, the Borromeo's library was inaugurated, and Carlo Erba's sugar factory became a reference point for the confectionery industry in Lombardy.
20th century
During the 20th century, Gorla Maggiore underwent considerable urban and social evolution, thanks to the construction of new buildings and roads. In 1950, the middle school was inaugurated, then expanded in 1964 with the construction of the gymnasium and the sports hall. In the 60s and 70s, the city underwent further economic and cultural boost, with the development of the textile industry and the inauguration of the Antonio Rosmini House of Culture.
In short, Gorla Maggiore is a city with ancient origins, but always evolving. Today it is a place of great historical, cultural, and economic value, worthy to be visited and discovered.
