Cascina Colombara
Cascina Colombara: A Hamlet of Saronno
Cascina Colombara is a geographical hamlet of Saronno, a municipality in Lombardy with a population of approximately 400 inhabitants. The name of the hamlet probably derives from the pigeon breeding practiced by the friars who lived in the area several centuries ago. It borders Caronno Pertusella and Cesate to the south, Cascina Emanuela di Solaro to the east, the industrial area of Caronno to the west, and the Strada statale 527 Bustese to the north.
Historical Origins
In the 15th century, the hamlet was a fiefdom of the Borromeo counts, but there are older documents that already mention the area. In fact, a church called San Solutore (or S. Salvatore) was built on this land, which is mentioned in a papal bull by Pope Alexander III of 1169.
The oldest nucleus of Cascina Colombara consists of three courtyards developed around the local patron saint's chapel, San Carlo Borromeo, which was financed and built by the Colombaresi themselves in 1910 and completed in 1936 with the construction of the bell tower. The first written traces documenting its existence date back to a sales deed of May 16, 1485, by the De Magistris brothers in favor of the venerable convent of Santa Maria dell'Incoronata in Milan. Since then, there have been several changes of ownership of Cascina Colombara, documented by property registers, including those of the Brasca family (April 24, 1599), the Natta family (May 30, 1619), and the Stampa Soncino counts (April 24, 1776).
Cascina Colombara Today
Only at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the inhabitants, from simple tenants, began to become owners of the land and property pertaining to Cascina. Today, the area of the hamlet has expanded mostly outside of its boundaries, such as in the streets Boccaccio, Puccini, and Don Sturzo. However, Cascina Colombara remains one of the few green lungs of Saronno and a well-defined urban conglomerate.
Every year, on the first Sunday of November, the patron saint San Carlo Borromeo is celebrated with an event that involves a large part of the community and attracts people from neighboring villages. During the celebration, the statue of the patron saint is carried in procession through the hamlet's streets, and spaces dedicated to children's entertainment, a charitable fishpond, and refreshment stands with sausage, chestnuts, and homemade desserts are set up in the former oratory. On some occasions, the city band is also involved in providing musical entertainment.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Cascina Colombara has a long history dating back to the 10th century and remains an important urban conglomerate and green lung of Saronno. The celebration of patron saint San Carlo Borromeo and the festival that follows have become significant annual events that involve the entire community.
