Sangiano
Welcome to Sangiano
Welcome to Sangiano, a small town situated in the province of Varese in Lombardy, with a population of only 1478 inhabitants. This beautiful town borders Laveno Mombello to the northwest, Caravate to the northeast, and Leggiuno to the south. It is located a few kilometers away from Lake Maggiore and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.
Origins of the Name
The toponym Sangiano could have its origins from the word "san Giovanni," as in the oldest documents, the town was mentioned as "Sangiuan," "Scanzan," or "Sanzano." An alternative theory suggests that the toponym is derived from the Latin word "cingula," meaning "thin strip of land."
History
The community of Sanzano was first mentioned in the Statutes of Milan's roads and waterways in 1346 among the locations taxed for the maintenance of the road to Rho. In 1491, the Duke of Milan Gian Galeazzo Sforza granted Sangiano to his hunting prefect Francesco Cremona, along with the nearby centers of Leggiuno, Bosco, and Mombello. The fiefdom then passed to the Trivulzio, then again to the Cremona, and finally to the Besozzi of the Bardello branch who held it with the title of Counts until 1811.
In the 1770 census, Sangiano had 218 inhabitants distributed among 38 families. The land was cultivated with vines, mulberries, and cereals, or used as pasture. Over time, Sangiano has undergone significant demographic growth, reaching 478 inhabitants at the Unification of Italy in 1861.
Between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a period characterized by further demographic growth, Sangiano underwent significant expansion and enhancement of its settlement, with the creation of new roads and the construction of modern buildings such as the town hall, the kindergarten, and numerous villas.
Curiosities
Villa Fantoni is one of the most beautiful villas in Sangiano, and it is public heritage thanks to the bequest of its last owner, Maria Enrichetta Fantoni. The Villa has a magnificent park and often hosts cultural events and parties.
In the past, many Sangianesi, especially masons, went abroad in search of work: in the summer of 1914, there were 250 Sangianesi scattered throughout Europe and six living in America.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Sangiano is a small town that offers a tranquil atmosphere, immersed in the beauty of the surrounding nature. The history of this town is very interesting, and it is worth visiting to discover its numerous beauties. We recommend taking a walk in the historic center and admiring Villa Fantoni with its magnificent park.
