Consider the ground beneath your feet here in San Giorgio su Legnano. It is a land with a story etched in Roman stones and medieval whispers. San Giorgio su Legnano a comune northwest of Milan offers more than meets the eye.
Our journey through time begins long ago. Imagine a moorland landscape. Bushes grew sparsely due to the soil’s poor fertility. Over centuries local farmers transformed this unpromising land. They built canals and diligently fertilized the soil. Vast areas became cultivable. Oaks hornbeams and chestnuts thrived.
Our attention is now drawn to ancient Roman necropolises. Unearthed here they reveal much about San Giorgio su Legnano during the Imperial Age. The oldest tombs bear Celtic influences showing a blend of cultures. It appears the Romanization process was not complete.
Did you know San Giorgio su Legnano was once called Sotena? Some believe the name alludes to these Roman burial grounds. In the local dialect “sota tèra” means underground. The first documented mention of San Giorgio is on bricks from 1393. They were discovered at the Church of Santissimo Crocifisso. The bricks state that the Church was built in Sotena in honor of God and Saint George.
San Giorgio su Legnano in the Middle Ages was a small group of houses. It did not have its own church until 1393. A window with a terracotta edge remains from medieval San Giorgio. It can be seen in the so-called Queen’s House. Legend says a tunnel connected San Giorgio to Legnano’s castle. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa used it to escape after a defeat in battle. During excavations in the 20th century parts of an ancient tunnel were found.
In 1273 English royals visited Milan. They were welcomed by Napoleone and Francesco della Torre. The royals then stayed overnight at the Castle of Legnano of San Giorgio. A local legend suggests they lodged at the Queen’s House. Documents confirm they stayed “at Santo Georgio near Legnano”.
The community of Sotena depended on the Pieve of Parabiago. In the 16th century San Giorgio had a mayor. He represented the community. The mayor was assisted by a chancellor. The chancellor kept municipal archives in his home. In 1558 San Giorgio consisted of eleven courtyards.
In the 17th century San Giorgio was affected by infeudation. The Spanish government auctioned off land. The buyer gained political economic and social rights. San Giorgio redeemed the land in 1648. They incurred a debt of 3000 lire. The community was a fiefdom of the Castelli family until 1780.
The Austrians took over from the Spanish in 1706. They initiated a detailed register of properties. A map was created for each municipality. In 1730 San Giorgio su Legnano had 777 inhabitants. They lived in 60 courtyards.
During the Napoleonic era San Giorgio was incorporated into Canegrate. This lasted from 1809 to 1811. The economy was mainly agricultural. Vine and mulberry were the main crops.
In the second half of the 19th century proto-industrial activities emerged. Silk processing plants were established. Natural disasters impacted local agriculture. Vine disease and silkworm epidemics caused crises.
San Giorgio su Legnano transformed from agriculture to industry. By 1911 almost 50% of residents worked in industry. The golden age of industry was in the 1950s and 1960s. This was mainly related to textiles and mechanics.
Today San Giorgio su Legnano retains its industrious spirit. Agriculture is practiced on a smaller scale. The town is still among Italy’s most developed areas.
Before we move on reflect on the journey through time. San Giorgio su Legnano has transformed from moorland to a modern municipality. Its history is layered with Roman Celtic and medieval influences. The town’s people adapted. They transformed challenges into opportunities.