Seven wings of gold. That’s the Settala coat of arms. It’s a symbol of this place a place with a history stretching back centuries. Settala is more than just a municipality in the province of Milan. It’s a living testament to Lombard heritage. It’s a place where the whispers of Roman roads meet the echoes of medieval feuds.
Settala’s story begins long before its official founding. Evidence suggests a Roman road passed through. A duumvir named Julius Settala is mentioned on a coin from the time of Emperor Tiberius. This suggests a settlement existed then. Its name. A name that would endure. The family of Counts Settala. They left their mark not only on Settala but all of Milan. They were powerful influential. Saint Senatore a bishop of Milan. He was one of them. Another Count Enrico held the same esteemed position. There’s even a magnificent family tomb in San Marco in Milan. An impressive monument to their legacy.
But the Counts of Settala were more than just religious leaders. Count Ludovico assembled a renowned collection of natural history specimens. A true “Wunderkammer”. This 16th-century collection foreshadowed modern science. It was once housed in the Ambrosiana library in Milan. Parts of it have since found a home in the Natural History Museum. Their influence transcended religion and science. They shaped the very fabric of Settala.
Settala’s history isn’t without its battles. The town suffered during wars between the Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II and Archbishop Ariberto of Milan. It was even destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa. Left deserted for decades. The Counts Settala took charge of its reconstruction in 1249. They entrusted the task to Canon Ugone. A testament to their enduring commitment to the town that bears their name.
Today you can see the remnants of Settala’s past. The Cascina Castello. This farmhouse has a 12th-century tower. It’s a reminder of the palazzetto that once stood there. Its portico and arched windows speak volumes. Then there’s the parish church. The Counts Settala built it in 1108. It houses important Lombard school paintings. These are only a few visible signs of a much richer history. The history of Settala is not written in stone but in the fabric of this town.
Settala. A place where history and the present intertwine. A place where seven golden wings symbolize its enduring spirit. A place deserving to be explored. A place worth remembering.