Paderna
Paderno Dugnano: a town in Milan's first urban belt
Paderno Dugnano is an Italian town located in the metropolitan city of Milan in Lombardy. With a population of about 50,000 inhabitants, the town is part of the North Milan area and is located approximately 12 km north of Milan's Piazza del Duomo. Paderno Dugnano borders eight other municipalities and is situated in the southern edge of Brianza, in the high plain of Lombardy. Most of the town's territory is urbanized, although there are some agricultural areas and the Grugnotorto Park.
Physical geography
The town is crossed by the Seveso River and the Villoresi Canal, which forms the border with the municipality of Varedo. Paderno Dugnano is part of the Greater Milan urban area and is surrounded by the municipalities of Bollate, Cinisello Balsamo, Cormano, Cusano Milanino, Limbiate, Nova Milanese, Senago, and Varedo. The town is situated at approximately 163 m above sea level and enjoys a continental climate. During winter, temperatures can drop below zero, while during summer they can exceed 30°C.
History
The village of Paderno was already present in Roman times and was an important crossroads of the Mediolanum-Bellasium road, which connected Milan and Bellagio. In 1810, during the Napoleonic era, Paderno joined Dugnano, but the proclamation of the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom interrupted the union. In 1862, Paderno took the name of Paderno Milanese, and after the unification of Italy, there were several municipal mergers. In 1869, Paderno Milanese merged with Dugnano, Incirano, Cassina Amata, and Palazzolo Milanese. Choosing the new municipality's definitive name was difficult, and among the proposals was also that of Alessandro Manzoni, who suggested the name "Padergnano." Finally, the City Council decided on the name "Borgosole," but the majority of citizens opposed it, and the name was abandoned. Finally, the town took the name of Paderno Dugnano.
Economy and culture
Paderno Dugnano is an important industrial center in the area, but also a center of culture and art. The town hosts several library facilities, including the Civic Library. Furthermore, Paderno Dugnano is famous for its Borromeo Castle, a magnificent sixteenth-century structure. The town is also known for its production of artisanal ice cream, thanks to the presence of numerous ice cream shops, including Gelateria Paolini.
Events and attractions
Several events and festivals take place in Paderno Dugnano during the year, including the San Rocco Patronal Fair, the Beer Festival, the Alpini Festival, and the Gorgonzola Festival. Furthermore, the town is immersed in a unique landscape, with the southern border following the course of the Seveso, and the northern border included in the Grugnotorto Park. Borromeo Castle is the most famous tourist attraction in the area and has recently been restored, opening its doors to numerous visitors every year.
In summary, Paderno Dugnano is an important town in Milan's first urban belt, with a population of about 50,000 inhabitants. Surrounded by nature and art, Paderno Dugnano offers a unique panorama of Lombard culture. The town is an interesting destination for tourists, artists, and history enthusiasts, thanks to its architecture, events, and natural attractions.
