Imagine, Cerchiate’s story stretches back through centuries. Cerchiate is a frazione of Pero. It has a history all its own. Let’s uncover some of its secrets.
Cerchiate was once an ancient comune of the Milanese. Its name morphed over time. Circolate, Cerziate, Cergià, and Serchiate were some variations. The origin of Cerchiate’s name is debated. Some say it comes from “quercula” or “cercula”. This refers to the oak forests once abundant here. Others link it to “de petra cergiate.” This refers to the “cerchiata” stone of an old mill’s press. This mill once stood on the river.
In medieval times, Cerchiate belonged to the Benedictine Nuns. These nuns lived at the Monastery of San Maurizio in Milan. A document from 1148 mentions Cerchiate. Pope Eugene III confirmed the monastery’s rights. These rights included churches and lands, including the temple in Circolate. Later, another document confirmed the monastery’s ownership. This included a forest in Cerchiate. The monastery also had rights to the Olona’s waters. They used it for irrigation and to power their mill.
In 1771, Empress Maria Theresa ordered an assessment. Cerchiate had 161 inhabitants then. In 1809, Napoleon suppressed Cerchiate. It was annexed to Terrazzano. Then in 1811, Terrazzano was absorbed into Rho. But Cerchiate was restored as a comune when the Austrians returned.
Cerchiate and Pero remained independent until May 13, 1928. Despite the Cerchiatesi’s dissent, they merged. Cerchiate wanted to join Rho instead. They always had strong ecclesiastical ties.
Cerchiate faced environmental challenges over the years. Being near the Olona River, it suffered floods. The floods caused destruction and claimed lives. The floods of 1773, 1801, 1830, and others are remembered.
In 1568, a census revealed Cerchiate’s small population. Three nuns lived on the Monastery Maggiore’s property. Twelve families served the nuns. A total of 112 people including adults and children lived there. By 1727, Cerchiate had 129 inhabitants. By 1921, the population was 342.
Today, Cerchiate is the larger frazione of Pero. It sits northwest of the main town. It lies on the right bank of the Olona River. Its history whispers through the streets. The echoes of Benedictine nuns, ancient mills, and resilient inhabitants still resonate in Cerchiate.