This is a neighbourhood with a long history, dating back to the 19th century. The name “Precotto” derives from the ancient “praetorium” which meant “prefect’s house”. In the 19th century, this area was known as “Precotto”. Today, Precotto is a vibrant, residential neighborhood with a lively cultural scene, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. The neighborhood is also known for its lush green spaces, such as Rucellai Park.
One of the most intriguing places of interest is the Gorla Elementary School. The school was the site of a devastating bombing in World War II on October 20, 1944. A US B-24 bomber mistakenly dropped bombs on the heavily populated suburbs of Gorla and Precotto. Unfortunately, the main stairwell of the Francesco Crispi Elementary School was hit just as children and school personnel were rushing down to the air raid shelters. The explosion tragically killed 184 out of 200 of the children and the entire staff of 19 teachers. There were about 614 victims in the neighborhood. In 2019, Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, appealed to US authorities to apologize for the bombing. In the aftermath of this tragic event, a memorial was built next to the school to commemorate the children and teachers that died. Today, the area around the school remembers this devastating event but also serves as an important reminder of the resilience of its community.
Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno Monzese
“A timeless sanctuary,” the old woman whispered, her gaze fixed on the rows of marble within Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno