Ready to uncover a secret? Locate di Triulzi holds more than meets the eye. This comune in Lombardy offers a captivating glimpse into Italian history. Locate di Triulzi sits 14 kilometres southeast of Milan.
Locate di Triulzi’s story begins long ago. The name “Locate” hints at Celtic origins. It means “Terra sull’acqua” or “Land on the water.” The Celts first settled here around 600 BC.
Between the 10th and 11th centuries, Otto III ceded the village. It went to the canonica of San Giovanni of Monza. Later, it fell under the power of the Visconti family.
The Trivulzio family significantly impacted Locate di Triulzi. They acquired land and carried out land reclamation. “Triulzi” became a popular way to refer to the Trivulzio family. The Salazar family also acquired land in Locate but had less influence. Thanks to the Trivulzio family, Locate enjoyed autonomy from Milan.
Cristina di Belgioioso, a member of the Trivulzio family contributed to Locate. She helped establish nursery schools, schools, and a park.
In 1862, the town officially became “Locate di Triulzi”. Agriculture drove the town’s early development. Industrialization and infrastructure improvements arrived in the 20th century. A railway station was built. Today, Locate di Triulzi is home to Scalo Milano. This shopping area was inaugurated in 2016 on the site of former factories.
Locate di Triulzi’s coat of arms tells a story. A castle appears in the upper section perhaps representing the Trivulzio and Salazar castles. In the lower section, a crowned three-faced human head symbolizes the Trivulzio family.
Don’t miss the Trivulzio Castle dating back to the 14th century. Cristina Trivulzio di Belgioioso was the last notable resident. She left it to her daughter Maria in 1871. The castle was later divided into private apartments.
The church of Santa Maria della Fontana is worth seeing. It is located between Locate di Triulzi and Pieve Emanuele. The sanctuary consists of three overlapping churches. It was built over a spring. An almost 35-meter-high bell tower stands at the edge of the river terrace. A Leonardesque fresco of the Madonna and Child is located above the altar.
Locate di Triulzi continues to evolve. The town maintains its connection to the land. The people of Locate di Triulzi are called Locatesi.