Turbigo
Turbigo: History, Origins and Fun Facts of a Lombard City
Welcome to the small city of Turbigo, located in the heart of Lombardy along the Naviglio Grande, and home to 7079 residents. In this article, we will discover the origins of the name, the history, interesting facts and events that will help you get to know this city better.
## Origins of the name
Many have spoken and discussed the origins of the name of the city of Turbigo. According to some sources, the name is of Germanic origin, while according to others, it is derived from the Latin "turris", from the two head towers of the bridge over the Ticino existing in the late Roman imperial age. However, the municipality of Turbigo has been using the coat of arms of the family depicting the two red towers since 1922, visible on an ancient fireplace inside Palazzo De Cristoforis Gray. Other studies instead maintain that the name derives from "Turbigum" or "Turbiscus" and evokes the violent rushing and breaking of the waves of the Ticino on that ancient borough located on the bank of the Naviglio.
## History
### Origins
The hamlet of Turbigo has ancient origins dating back at least to the 1st century BC, a period to which the necropolis found on the municipal territory refer. At that time, there was a flourishing long-range commerce, favored by the city's position halfway between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. The ancient watchtower dating back to Roman times, which was at the base of the construction of the subsequent medieval castle still present today, just above the Arno torrent, also dates back to the Roman era.
### From the medieval era to the end of the feudal era
The town has always been of great importance as a strategic location for crossing the Ticino River between Como and Novara. In 1164 Federico Barbarossa rewarded his chancellor, whose name has not come down to us, with a fiefdom comprising all the villages of the parish of Dairago, thus inaugurating the lineage of the "Da Turbigo", the first feudatories of the borough. The late Middle Ages is characterized by the settlement of the Piatti family in the Turbigo territory, a family that will tend to act as the material and spiritual guide of the city. Later, Turbigo was a fiefdom of the d'Adda family, then passed to Ludovico Gallarati and later to Federico II Landi by donation of his aunt Porzia Gallarati. The Landi family, later merged into the Doria Landi, held the borough among its possessions until the end of the 18th century.
## Fun facts
Turbigo is not just about its history, but also offers several shows and events that make it unique and special. For instance, the town is one of the consortium municipalities of the Lombard Park of the Ticino Valley. Additionally, in the city, you can admire the ancient medieval castle above the Arno stream, built around the Roman watchtower, which was once used to defend against Barbarian attacks.
## Conclusion
For those who love discovering the past, the city of Turbigo offers numerous opportunities: the antiquity of the Roman necropolis, the still present medieval castle, the feudal territories of the Piatti and Landi are just a few examples of the historical and cultural heritage of this Lombard city. There are also annual events, such as the traditional patron saint festival on August 18th dedicated to Saint Agapito, which attracts many people every year. If you happen to pass by this area, do not miss the opportunity to stop in Turbigo to discover its rich past and the fun facts that make it special.
