Legnano
Legnano: a city with a rich history
Legnano is an Italian city located in the region of Lombardy, crossed by the Olona River with a population of approximately 64,000 inhabitants. The origins of the settlement date back to the 1st millennium BC, a period in which the hills bordering the Olona were inhabitable areas. Thanks to the famous Battle of Legnano, which took place on 29 May 1176, Legnano was mentioned in the Canto degli Italiani. To commemorate this battle, every year in May, the Palio di Legnano takes place and the city celebrates the regional festival of Lombardy.
Physical geography of Legnano
The territory of Legnano extends over an area of 17.72 km², located along the Olona valley, south of the Varese Prealps. The territory is mainly composed of pebbles, gravel, sand, and clay, with an altitude ranging from 192 to 227 meters above sea level. The city is classified as "zone 4" on Italy's seismic scale, and the Olona River, which runs through the municipal territory, has been canalized with concrete or stone embankments to minimize flooding.
Hydrography
The Olona River is the river that runs through the city of Legnano. In the past, the watercourse caused frequent floods that inflicted damages to the areas it crossed. Thanks to the construction of embankments and the overflow channel, floods have become rare events, and the last major flood that caused damage was in 1995. In the past, there have also been deviations from the course of the river to build canals and channels for irrigation purposes.
Culture and traditions
In addition to the Battle of Legnano and the Palio, the city has several other cultural and tourist attractions. The civic museum "Ala Ponzone" houses a vast collection of works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. The city also hosts numerous churches, including the church of San Magno, dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Another important cultural event is the Sacred representation of the Passion of Christ, a large theater performance that takes place every year during Easter week.
Economy
The economy of Legnano is mainly based on manufacturing and craftsmanship, with several companies producing textiles, clothing, and furniture. The city also has an important international airport, Milan-Malpensa, which has contributed to the tourist and commercial development of the region. Legnano is also home to numerous shops and restaurants, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and appreciate local cuisine.
In summary, Legnano is a city with a rich history and culture, crossed by the Olona River and located in the Lombardy region. The city celebrates the Battle of Legnano every year with the Palio di Legnano, and has numerous tourist attractions such as the civic museum "Ala Ponzone." The economy is based mainly on manufacturing and craftsmanship, with an important international airport and a wide range of shops and restaurants.
