San Damiano

Hidden between a highway and Monza’s eastern ring road lies San Damiano. It’s a quiet village in Brugherio, Italy, a place with a history that stretches back centuries. Originally, San Damiano was a small settlement clustered around a monastery. This monastery, overseen by Saint Ambrose of Milan, dates back to the Carolingian period. A document from 853 reveals the existence of a church in San Damiano. This church was dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian. Throughout the Middle Ages, San Damiano remained a peaceful village, untouched by major historical events. By the 14th century, its presence is still documented. Interestingly, in the 16th century, Saint Charles Borromeo established a parish in the area. However, San Damiano’s residents didn’t join this parish. They wanted to avoid paying the parish priest’s fees and chose to remain part of San Gerardo’s parish in Monza. By 1751, San Damiano had become an independent municipality. Its 75 inhabitants were governed by a consul elected by the people. Under Napoleon’s rule in 1805, the population grew to 178. Napoleon later merged San Damiano’s jurisdiction with Monucco and then with Monza in 1811. The Austrians restored San Damiano’s independence in 1816, which lasted for 50 years. In 1853, its population numbered 363. After a brief renaming to San Damiano of Monza in 1863, it finally became part of Brugherio in 1866. This merger was the result of discussions and persuasion by the mayor of Baraggia, who later became Brugherio’s mayor. Today, San Damiano enjoys a blend of history and modern life. It’s home to three schools: Fratelli Grimm kindergarten, Corridoni primary school, and Eduardo De Filippo secondary school. The village also has a vibrant cultural scene. Festivities are held in June and November, organized by Brugherio’s Department for Cultural Heritage. The local musical band, formed in 1906, continues to participate in local events. San Damiano’s sports scene is represented by the A.S. società sportiva San Damiano-Sant’Albino.