Gorgonzola’s history whispers secrets. Right here in this town near Milan the famed Gorgonzola cheese originated. It’s a tale spun from centuries of dairy farming and a dash of happy accident.
For many years people believed the name Gorgonzola came from the Latin “Curte Argentia”. This suggests a settlement near the Roman town of Argentia. Another theory however connects it to the goddess Concordia. Her name supposedly morphed into Corcondiola then Gorgonzola. The truth remains elusive.
The first written mentions of Gorgonzola date back to the 10th century. A notary for Milan’s Saint Ambrose convent managed the church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio in “Gorgontiola”. This ancient church still stands today though rebuilt in the 19th century. In 453 this area saw the destructive Huns. They attacked the church and ravaged the nearby Roman town of Argentia. The small village of Gorgonzola however survived and thrived.
Later Gorgonzola played a crucial role in the Lombard League. In 1245 it became a strategic location during the conflicts between Milan and the Holy Roman Empire. The forces of Lombardy even held up in Gorgonzola to withstand the attack. It’s said that commanders from both sides were captured there.
By the 18th century Gorgonzola was powerful. It administered 33 neighbouring towns. After Italian unification in 1861 that number reduced to 19. Gorgonzola’s population was only 4320 compared to the whole area’s 28496.
The town boasts more than just cheese. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Help stands as the oldest building. It started as a convent for the Humiliated. The marble altar dates from the 17th century. It housed an 18th-century pipe organ. Gorgonzola even has a thriving sports scene. Its football team Giana Erminio made it to Serie C. The volleyball team US Volleyball Argentia competes at a high level.
Gorgonzola’s story intertwines with its cheese. Some claim Gorgonzola cheese was born in 879. Others dispute the exact origin. Whatever its true beginning the town’s name lives on in one of Italy’s most beloved cheeses. The cheese’s distinct flavour is now enjoyed worldwide. It truly is a taste of history.