Venegono Inferiore
Venegono Inferiore: a small Lombard town with a long history
Hello everyone! I want to talk to you about Venegono Inferiore, a charming Italian town located in Lombardy, in the province of Varese. With its 5,973 inhabitants, Venegono Inferiore is a peaceful and welcoming town, where history intertwines with nature and industrial activities.
Physical geography: a pleasant climate and a natural park within reach
Venegono Inferiore is located in a privileged position: the Alpine climate is mitigated by the proximity of the Varese lakes and the Olona Valley basin. Moreover, the municipality extends northwards, towards a wooded area called Pianbosco, inside the Pineta di Appiano Gentile e Tradate Natural Park. This protected natural area covers a vast area of over 48 km², favours air purity in the area and offers the possibility of pleasant walks in the surrounding nature.
Origin of the name: from "Vinum colere" to "Venegón da Sót"
It was once thought that the name Venegono Inferiore derived from the latin "Vinum colere", referring to the production of wine (in latin "vinum") in the area. However, this hypothesis is no longer considered reliable. Today, the name Venegono derives from the Varesotto dialect: "Venegón da Sót", which would mean "Venegono from below", unlike the homonymous town of Venegono Superiore, located on a nearby hill.
History: from Roman traces to medieval wars
The first historical traces of the existence of Venegono date back to 737, when the area was inhabited by the Romans. In that year, the "Harta Iudicati" reports the creation of the Cairate monastery by Manecunda, with the signature of some witnesses, including Edlprandi of Venegono. Over time, the history of Venegono Inferiore intertwines with that of the nearby Seprio county. In the Middle Ages, Venegono Inferiore already had its own consuls and a rural church dedicated to St. Martin. Meanwhile, Venegono Superiore moved its religious centre to the church of San Giorgio.
During the period of medieval wars, the castle of Venegono Inferiore became a place of refuge for many famous people, including the bishop of Coutances, Giovanni, and the Castiglioni brothers. After this war period, the castle became a summer residence for the lords of the area.
Industrial activities in Venegono Inferiore
Venegono Inferiore is known for being the location of Varese Venegono Airport, adjacent to the Aermacchi factories, a company that produces the Aermacchi MB-339 used by the Frecce Tricolori. Furthermore, the municipality hosts the headquarters of the Archdiocesan Seminary of Milan, inaugurated in 1935 and dedicated to Pope Pius XI.
Conclusions: Venegono Inferiore, a beautiful town between history and nature
In summary, Venegono Inferiore is a peaceful and welcoming town, located in a strategic position between the pre-Alpine mountains and the Varese lakes. Its millennial history intertwines with the surrounding nature and industrial activities present in the area. Venegono Inferiore is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Lombardy, between walks in the greenery, visits to historical places and discovery of the economic activities of a small Italian town.
