How about stepping back in time to discover Agrate Brianza? This comune in the Province of Monza and Brianza boasts a rich history. It sits just 20 kilometers northeast of Milan.
Agrate Brianza offers a glimpse into Lombardy’s past. Agrate is positioned at the junction of major roadways. These include Milan’s Tangenziale Est, the A4 Torino-Trieste highway, and the Tangenziale Est Esterna Milanese.
Let’s explore the origins of Agrate Brianza’s name. Some believe it comes from the Latin name Acrius. Others suggest the Lombard word “agher” meaning maple. Still others propose Acratus or Gratus with the suffix -ate. “Brianza” was added later. Agrate was once known as Gradi then Gratis. It was also called Grà, Grate, Gratum, and finally Agrate.
Archaeological finds indicate ancient roots. In 1879, foundations of Roman origin were discovered. A granite altar further supports the existence of a Roman vicus.
Around the mid-19th century a Christian inscription was found. It dated back to the end of the 5th century or the beginning of the 6th. It mentioned a Boetius as consul.
In April 745 Rottopertus “de vico Agrate” wrote his will. He established a hospital in Agrate for the poor and pilgrims. In 835, Archbishop Angilberto II appointed Gaudenzio abbot of Sant’Ambrogio. Agrate then called Gratem was among the monastery’s properties. Agrate was a rural commune in the 13th century.
Agrate Brianza was the birthplace of notable figures. Gian Matteo Ferrario was a doctor to Duchess Bianca Maria Sforza. He also lectured at the University of Pavia. Marco d’Agrate sculpted the famous statue of San Bartolomeo. It stands in the Duomo of Milan.
Agrate Brianza has beautiful villas. Villa Fè, Villa d’Adda, Villa Corneliani, and Villa Trivulzio are the most remarkable.
Agrate Brianza’s coat of arms dates back to the early 20th century. The silver and red colors and the rampant lion likely come from the Secchi family of Milan. The banner granted in 1930 is blue.
Agrate Brianza once had several churches. Two were dedicated to San Martino. Goffredo di Bussero mentioned a church dedicated to Sant’Eusebio. This is now the parish church. He also mentioned another church dedicated to San Donnino. The churches of S. Pietro and S. Maria were equally ancient.
The parish of Agrate was established on March 22, 1493. In 2008, the parish of Sant’Eusebio merged with San Zenone in Omate and Santa Giuliana in Caponago. This created the “Casa di Betania” pastoral community.
The parish church dedicated to Sant’Eusebio dates back to the 7th or 8th century. Agrate formed a single parish with the church of Santo Stefano di Vimercate in 754. The current church is the result of early 20th-century work. The first stone was laid on January 15, 1925.
Villa Schira-Corneliani dates back to the 16th-17th century. It differs from other villas with its severe facade. A small iron balcony provides a Baroque detail. The rectangular garden features a monumental mulberry tree. Today, it houses the municipal library.
Villa Trivulzio in Omate dates back to the 19th century. It consists of two parallel buildings connected by a seven-arched portico. Marc’Antonio dal Re illustrated Villa Trivulzio in his work Ville di Delizia. After several restorations, the villa now hosts exclusive events.
Agrate Brianza offers several parks.
The vasca volano is part of the sewage system. It is located south of the town. It was built as an overflow system.
Agrate Brianza has transformed. Its location has spurred industrial and residential growth.
Agrate Brianza boasts a vibrant community with unique traditions. The Palio degli asini was a popular event in Omate. It involved donkey races. The Falò di S. Antonio features the burning of an asino puppet.
Agrate Brianza’s story extends far beyond its geographical boundaries. It echoes through centuries of cultural, religious, and economic shifts.