Once an independent municipality, Borsano now stands as a district of Busto Arsizio. It is a place with a captivating history. Let’s take a walk through its past.
Borsano’s story is intertwined with that of Busto Arsizio. Busto Arsizio is a comune in Lombardy. It is located 35 kilometers north of Milan. In 1927, Borsano was absorbed into Busto Arsizio. This was part of a major administrative reform by the Fascist regime.
Before this absorption, Borsano had its own unique identity. Like other nearby settlements, its origins are rooted in ancient practices. The area’s early inhabitants used slash-and-burn agriculture. This created open fields for settlements. These burnt areas were called “bustum” in Latin. Borsano, like Busto Arsizio, derives its name from this practice. It’s a name that speaks to the transformation of the land.
The area’s population slowly increased over time. The Insubres, a Gaulish tribe, arrived around 500 BCE. They crossed the Alps and influenced the region. These tribes may have left behind geographical names still in use today.
Busto Arsizio, including Borsano, was on the route between Milan and Lake Maggiore. This road was important before the Naviglio Grande was built. It utilized the Ticino river for navigation. Borsano’s location made it a crossroads of culture and commerce.
The first documented mention of Busto Arsizio, and implicitly Borsano, was in the 10th century. The name appeared as “loco Busti qui dicitur Arsizio.” In 1176, citizens likely participated in the Battle of Legnano. The battle was fought between Borsano and Legnano. Frederick Barbarossa was defeated by the Lombard League.
From the 13th century, Busto Arsizio became known for textile production. This industry shaped the region’s economy. Even feudalization and plagues could not halt its growth. In 1630, the plague hit hard. Locals prayed to the Virgin Mary for respite.
By the mid-19th century, modern industry took hold. Busto Arsizio earned the nickname “Manchester of Italy.” In 1864, King Victor Emmanuel II granted the city privileges.
Borsano and Sacconago were absorbed into Busto Arsizio in 1927. Busto Arsizio was only marginally damaged during World War II. It hosted the Allied liaison mission with the partisans. This was led by Lt. Aldo Icardi. Busto Arsizio was a major industrial center for war production. The occupying Germans moved the Italian national radio there.
After the war, Busto Arsizio shifted to the right of the political spectrum. Big industries decayed. They were replaced by small enterprises and a service-based economy. Today, Busto Arsizio is a stronghold for right-wing political parties.
Borsano is now one of the nine districts of Busto Arsizio. It is a reminder of the area’s rich and complex history. Piazza Grande was also the ancient toponym in the 1857 cadastre of the current Piazza Pietro Toselli in the centre of Borsano. The square was previously named after Vittorio Emanuele II. It was dedicated to Emanuele Filiberto in 1931. The current name dates from 1944.
From burnt settlements to industrial hubs, Borsano has seen it all. As we conclude our visit, consider the layers of history beneath our feet. Borsano is more than just a district. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.