Solbiate Arno
Solbiate Arno: a town in the province of Varese
Solbiate Arno is a town in the province of Varese in Lombardy, with a population of around 4000 inhabitants. The city's territory is known for its metallurgy, mechanics, and sock production companies. Additionally, Solbiate is home to the Tigros supermarket chain.
History of Solbiate Arno
During the Roman era, Solbiate Arno was crossed by the Novaria-Comum road, a Roman road that connected the municipals of Novara and Como through Sibrium, now known as Castelseprio. In 1185, Solbiate came under the control of Milan and became part of the Contado del Seprio. During the struggle between the Torriani and the Visconti families, the Visconti took control of central-northern Insubria and established the Feudo di Gallarate, which Solbiate was included in.
The administrative district of the newly-formed Duchy of Milan, which Solbiate belonged to, survived for five centuries, passing from the Visconti Lordship to the Sforza family, until the Habsburg domination. In 1786, with a decree from Joseph II, Gallarate became a province.
In the nineteenth century, Solbiate had a poor cereal-focused agriculture, supplemented by silkworm breeding. Properties were controlled by large Milanese families such as the Mantegazza, with peasants subjected to heavy rental contracts. During the nineteenth century, some local landowners began to make their way into local government bodies designed by the Teresian reforms.
With inclusion in the House of Savoy kingdom and subsequent administrative rationalization, Solbiate lost its autonomy and became a fraction of the Albizzate municipality, but regained its autonomy in 1905 with a decree from Vittorio Emanuele III.
Industrial development
In the last thirty years of the 19th century, Solbiate Arno began to develop mechanical industry, starting from the artisanal laboratories of blacksmiths powered by streams. Later, numerous companies were founded that, between the first and second world war, were beneficiaries of state orders.
After 1945, with the post-war crisis, skilled workers reinvented themselves and founded numerous medium-sized and small businesses and various social and voluntary activities, contributing significantly to the city's progress.
Commerce in Solbiate Arno
In Solbiate Arno, there is a new commercial hub, located near the highway exit, with a complex of grocery stores, shops of all kinds, and DIY activities.
In conclusion, Solbiate Arno is a city with a long and interesting history, with an important role in mechanical industry and a new commercial hub that makes it a lively and growing shopping center.
