“Furato” a name whispered on the wind hints at a story of resilience and community. Furato is a village in the municipality of Inveruno, near Milan. It is a place with medieval origins. It once stood as its own independent comune until 1870.
Furato’s story is one of self-reliance. Its isolated position fostered a unique dialect and an economy deeply rooted in agriculture. This independence also meant Furato faced challenges. The industrial era brought progress to other areas. Furato experienced a sense of being left behind.
Imagine Furato in 1751. The village counted just 165 souls according to Empress Maria Theresa’s census. By 1805 the population hadn’t changed that much. It was only 132 inhabitants. Napoleon’s decree briefly dissolved Furato into Inveruno in 1809. Later it was shifted under Busto Garolfo in 1811.
But Furato was restored. The village showed a spirit that wouldn’t be suppressed. By 1853 its population grew to 343. In 1859 it had 383 residents. Despite this growth, Furato was ultimately joined with Inveruno in 1870. This happened by decree of Vittorio Emanuele II.
Consider the determination of Furato’s residents in 1900. They established their first schoolhouse. This shows the commitment to education. The building served the community for 70 years. It wasn’t until later that a modern school was constructed.
During World War II, Furato took another step forward. Thanks to the inverunese mayor Gian Luigi Baffa the village built its own aqueduct. Furato took care of itself.
Now let’s talk about the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Nascente. The parish church of Saint Mary Nascente is a testament to Furato’s faith. In the 1960s the population grew to 800 residents. The villagers wanted a church of their own. They started raising funds. Construction began in 1967. In 1969 Archbishop Giovanni Colombo blessed the church.
Note the church’s design. Its “a capanna” facade is made of red bricks. A long central corridor allows light to stream through the windows. Above the bronze portal, a fresco depicts the Madonna.
Listen closely. The church has a set of five bells in B flat 3. Fratelli Barigozzi cast the bells in 1949. They were recovered from the old parish church’s bell tower. Speaking of which a piece of the past remains. The old bell tower still stands in Piazza Pio X. It reminds everyone of Furato’s journey.
Furato is more than just a place. Furato is a story of a village that faced challenges. Furato is a story of a community that shaped its own destiny.