Masate

Enclosed within the Milan metropolitan area, the village of Masate whispers tales of history and nature. Masate is more than just a name on a map. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of ancient traditions, agricultural heritage, and the echoes of bygone eras. Masate rests along the banks of the Villoresi Canal, a tranquil waterway that has witnessed the passage of time and the evolution of this charming village. Originally a small settlement known for its vineyards, Masate produced a delicate white wine so exquisite that it even captured the attention of the renowned poet Carlo Porta. Masate’s roots trace back to at least the 11th century, its identity deeply entwined with agriculture and, later, the textile industry. During the Middle Ages, Masate was a part of the Martesana County, sharing its destiny with the Duchy of Milan. Powerful families like the Trivulzio, Stampa di Soncino, de Leyva, and Visconti di San Giorgio all left their mark on Masate’s history. The village even gave birth to the De Maxate family, who later resided in Milan but retained ties to their ancestral home. A unique feature of Masate’s landscape is “Le Foppe,” a testament to the village’s industrial past. These small, seasonal ponds, formed in abandoned clay pits, once served the thriving brick-making industry. Today, thanks to a local initiative, Le Foppe has been transformed into a recreational area. One of the foppe now boasts a children’s playground, benches, and a charming fountain at its heart. The remaining foppe provide a haven for diverse plant and animal life. The heart of Masate beats within the neoclassical walls of the San Giovanni Evangelista parish church, constructed in the early 19th century. Further out, in Cascina San Nabore, stands the oratorio of San Nabore and Felice, its origins dating back to before the 13th century. Near the Villoresi Canal, a small chapel marks the site of a former lazaretto built during a devastating 17th-century epidemic. Within its walls, a recently restored fresco offers a poignant glimpse into the past. Masate’s coat of arms, featuring a cabbage white butterfly and three wheat stalks, beautifully encapsulates the village’s agricultural essence. The azure blue symbolizes the pure air that once graced the region, while the green represents the fertile fields that nourished its people. Masate is a living testament to the enduring power of history and tradition. As you wander its streets and explore its hidden corners, let the whispers of its past guide you, revealing the rich tapestry that is Masate.