“Villareale, you say?” an elderly woman chuckled, adjusting her shawl. “Why, in my youth, we called it ‘Zuccatt’!” This small hamlet, nestled within the bustling metropolis of Milan, holds a history far richer than its diminutive size might suggest.
Villareale traces its roots back to the 6th century, a time when a dense forest covered this land. Legend has it that a Greek monk, Atanasio Piccione, established a community amidst these woods. As the monks cleared the land for cultivation, a village emerged, taking the name Villaggio Piccione, eventually evolving into Villapizzone and later, Villareale.
Life in Villareale revolved around the Parish Church of San Martino, a testament to the enduring faith of its inhabitants. However, life here wasn’t without its share of intrigue. Just beyond the village lay the Bosco della Merlata, a woodland infamous for its association with bandits! The notorious Battista Scorlino and Giacomo Legorino were said to have used the area as their hideout in the 16th century, adding a dash of danger and excitement to Villareale’s past. Today, Villareale stands as a charming reminder of Milan’s past, a place where whispers of ancient legends mingle with the sounds of the modern city.