Picture this Vedano al Lambro a municipality in the Province of Monza and Brianza. It is in the Lombardy region of Italy. We’re about 15 kilometers northeast of Milan. Vedano al Lambro may be small but it has a fascinating story.
Vedano al Lambro is known for its proximity to the famous motorcar racing track. Every September, the Formula One Grand Prix of Monza takes place here. It draws racing fans from all over the world. The roar of the engines fills the air. It creates an electric atmosphere throughout Vedano al Lambro.
The history of Vedano al Lambro stretches back to ancient times. In 1880 some traces of an old Roman road were found. There were also remains of a necropolis and other archaeological finds. This suggests that the area was inhabited in Roman times.
In the Middle Ages much of the land was owned by the Archbishop of Milan. His name was Ansperto da Biassono. He mentioned it in his will. The order of the Umiliati founded two convents here.
Vedano al Lambro became part of the Pieve of Desio. It remained so until 1729. Then it passed to the Reale Camera. In the 19th century part of the municipality extended into what is now the Park of Monza.
In 1928 that area including the Autodromo Nazionale was given to the municipality of Monza. This changed Vedano’s identity. It no longer had direct connection to the Lambro river despite its name.
A significant portion of the Park of Monza was taken from Vedano. It was annexed to Monza in 1928. This was done to unify the territorial jurisdiction of the Royal Park.
The Vedano al Lambro’s coat of arms tells its own story. It features a castle and an eagle which come from the arms of the ancient Vedani family. The vine represents the Gallarati Scotti family. They were lords of Vedano starting in 1731. The checkered pattern comes from the Vedano family.
Vedano al Lambro has religious buildings of note. The parish church was rebuilt in 1894. The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Misericordia is also here. It stands on Via Europa near Lissone and Biassono. It is said that the Virgin appeared here to a local girl in the 16th century.
There are also civil architectures like Villa Litta. It was designed in a neo-Gothic style by architect Luigi Chierichetti. It was once home to Duchess Eugenia Attendolo Bolognini Litta mistress of King Umberto I. Vittorio De Sica filmed scenes here for his Oscar-winning movie.
Villa Zendali is linked to King Umberto I. He bought it in the 19th century. He used it as his hunting lodge. It is a rectangular building with two floors. Inside there is a beautiful wooden staircase with a wrought iron railing. The rooms are decorated with stuccoes and frescoes.
Today Vedano al Lambro has over 7500 residents. It is twinned with Domène France. The town enjoys about 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. This results in an average of 304 sunny days a year.
Vedano al Lambro is home to the first Ferrari Club in Italy founded in 1967. The town also has the GS Vedano football club. Atletica Vedano boasts several athletes who have represented Italy. Vedano al Lambro may be small but its history and spirit are mighty. It is a place where ancient roots meet modern passions.