Rescaldina
Rescaldina, a Lombardian town in the province of Milan
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about the town of Rescaldina, a small but lovely place located in Lombardy, in the province of Milan. With its 14,149 inhabitants, Rescaldina is a small yet charming town, about 25 km to the northwest of Milan's center.
An ancient and fascinating history
Rescaldina has a very ancient and fascinating history, which has its roots in the Roman era. In fact, a stone altar, an ancient religious symbol, was found here, suggesting human presence in the area during that time. Later, Cistercian monks established the first agricultural settlement in the area. This is why the area is divided into two distinct rural villages: Rescalda and Rescaldina, whose names derive from the Latin word "robur scalta," meaning a wooded area with oak trees. In 1570, Rescaldina was elevated to a parish by Carlo Borromeo and included in the Pieve di Legnano. The inhabitants of Rescalda, who desired their own independent parish, established a fund for the support of the priest and, in 1608, finally obtained their own territory and autonomous parish included in the Pieve di Busto Arsizio.
The legend of the Visconti coat of arms and the Wolf of Limonta
Over the centuries, Rescaldina belonged to the Lordship of Milan and the Duchy of Milan, as evidenced by the presence of Visconti coats of arms on two buildings. Moreover, the Municipality of Rescaldina has its own coat of arms, which represents the escape of the Wolf of Limonta from imprisonment in the tower of Rescaldina. According to legend, the Wolf of Limonta, imprisoned during the conflicts between the Visconti and the Sforza, was freed thanks to a stratagem: the jester Tremacoldo asked to participate in the jousting tournament, but in his place, the disguised Lupo da Limonta appeared. During the tournament, instead of fighting against the Saracen figure, Lupo da Limonta fled.
The influential families of Rescaldina's past
One of the most important families in Rescaldina's past were the Lampugnano (or Lampugnani), who dominated and influenced the events of the area for about three centuries starting from the 14th century. The Melzi family, on the other hand, from the patrician house of Legnano, extended numerous properties in Rescaldina. The "Casa della Curti Granda" was their residence, while the courtyard buildings in via Bossi and Legnano are currently owned by the Barbara Melzi Foundation.
A town rich in traditions and culture
Rescaldina is a town rich in traditions and culture. Thanks to its millennial history, it is possible to explore the art and architecture of the past by visiting the parish church of Santo Stefano Protomartire, the chapel of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio, the medieval tower with the Visconti coat of arms, and the stone altar dating back to the Roman era. In addition, numerous cultural events and festivals are held every year, such as the Patron Saint Festival in honor of Santo Stefano Protomartire, the Sant'Andrea Fair, and the Christmas House.
The beauty of the surrounding nature
Despite its small size, Rescaldina is surrounded by a beautiful natural setting. The residual woods to the east and west of the village, although today dominated by the Robinia, still preserve the beauty and tranquility of the past. Perfect for long walks and outdoor activities, these places offer direct contact with nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rescaldina offers much more than its strategic location near Milan. Its millennial history, influential families of the past, numerous traditions and cultural events, the beauty of the surrounding nature make Rescaldina a place to discover and love. If you haven't visited it yet, don't miss the chance!
