Lost in the historical narratives of Rho stands Villa Rho a silent witness. Rho itself is a place with origins shrouded in mystery. Some say its name comes from the Rhaudense family. Others believe it is linked to “Campi Raudi”. All agree its origins are Celtic-Gallic settlements in the Po Valley.
Rho’s story is long. Emperor Henry II granted Rho the title of Borgo in 1004. Rho actively participated in Milan’s politics. After the fall of the Sforza family, Rho was plundered. Spanish rule and a plague brought difficulties. Recovery came under Carlo Borromeo. He ordered the Sanctuary of the Madonna Addolorata built in 1584. Rho’s economic decline worsened with the plague of 1630. The Milanese nobility invested in land. This led to villas and rural complexes in the 17th and 18th centuries like Villa Rho. Rho recovered contributing to its complex history.
Around 1000, Rho was an important medieval village. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa destroyed the village in 1160. It was quickly rebuilt. A Milanese judgment confirmed the Capitanei family in Rho by 1196.
Until the early 1900s, Rho’s population worked mainly in agriculture. The industrial economy changed that. Rho became the head of 10 surrounding municipalities. The Milan-Magenta railway station arrived in 1858. A tram line followed in 1880. In 1928, a Royal Decree united several municipalities with Rho. This laid the groundwork for a new city. Rho Hospital was founded in 1929. The Municipal Palace and Piazza Visconti were built in 1931. Industrial development transformed Rho.
The first stone for the new Rho-Pero Exhibition Center was laid on October 6, 2002. This symbolized Rho’s evolution. Today, Rho’s population exceeds 50000 people. Industries replaced agriculture. Events like the Sant’Antonio bonfire attract visitors. The Patron Saint’s festival on May 8 solidifies the city’s dynamism.
The name “Rho” appeared in 846 as “vico Raudo”. “Vico” meant a group of houses. “Raudo” came from the Latin “Rhaudum.” It potentially linked to a rudimentary castle. After the 16th century, the name changed. Variants like Rhodo and Rho appeared. The “h” became official in 1932. This distinguished Rho from another town. Rho’s coat of arms comes from the Lombard da Ro family. It dates back to 1196. A five-spoke silver wheel sits on a red background. The Municipality of Rho became a city in 1932. Villa Rho stands as a reminder of these times.