Melegnano
Melegnano: A municipality in the metropolitan city of Milan
Hello everyone! Today I would like to talk to you about Melegnano, a beautiful municipality in the metropolitan city of Milan in Lombardy. So small, yet so interesting!
Physical geography
Melegnano is located about 10 kilometers southeast of Milan and has an area of only 4.93 square kilometers. But don't be deceived by its small size! It is located in the plain of Basso milanese, at an average altitude of 85 meters above sea level and is crossed in the eastern part by the Lambro river. Its geographical location makes it a strategic place for the road network of the area, along the state highway 9 Via Emilia.
Melegnano borders the municipalities of San Giuliano Milanese and Colturano to the north, Vizzolo Predabissi to the east, Cerro al Lambro to the south, and Carpiano to the west. In the past, the Seveso river flowed into the Lambro near Melegnano before the land drainage and canalization works.
History
From the origins to the Middle Ages
Melegnano has an ancient and interesting history. The first traces of a permanent settlement date back to the time of the Ambroni Gauls. Despite the presence of the Romans, a significant settlement was attested in 333 AD with a "mutatio ad IX" (horse-changing station) along the Mediolanum-Placentia road.
In 590 AD, Melegnano was the site of the battle between the Franks and the Lombards. At this time, the Lambro river became an important commercial route to transport goods quickly and safely by water. In the 10th century, a local church with ecclesiastical and administrative authority over most of the surrounding areas was established.
In the Middle Ages, Melegnano was particularly involved in the struggles between Frederick Barbarossa and the municipalities of Milan. After the Battle of Legnano, the Lombard cities regained their independence from the empire and Melegnano was ceded by Lodigiani to the Milanese. Once again, Melegnano was involved in the struggles fought this time by Frederick II of Swabia, Barbarossa's grandson, against the municipalities of Milan. After the victory of the Milanese, Melegnano found itself at the center of new struggles between the Della Torre and the Visconti families for supremacy over the lordship of Milan. After the Visconti's victory, the castle was given to Bernabò Visconti who made it his residence and later passed it on to his grandson, Gian Galeazzo Visconti.
Curiosities
But the wonders of Melegnano do not end here! Among the curiosities of the municipality, there is the church of the Assunta with the famous "Finta cupola," commissioned by Bernabò Visconti. The "Finta cupola" seems to be a trompe-l'œil, where the blue sky with white clouds painted on the inside of the ceiling simulates a real dome.
Another peculiarity is the Tower of Barbarossa. Do you want to know the reason for this name? It is said that Frederick Barbarossa himself stopped in this tower when the Visconti's residence was still under construction.
Conclusion
As you can see, Melegnano is a municipality with a great historical and cultural wealth. Despite its small area, it offers many curiosities and beauties to discover to the visitor. If you are looking for a peaceful but charming place, Melegnano is just what you need!
