Villa Fornaci

Hidden along the Martesana canal, Villa Fornaci whispers tales of brick and mortar. Villa Fornaci wasn’t always a tranquil village. It owes its existence to the very canal it borders. The name, Villa Fornaci, literally translates to “Kiln Villas.” This refers to the kilns built alongside the clay pits during the construction of the Naviglio Martesana. These kilns produced the bricks and materials essential for building the canal. Imagine the hustle and bustle of activity along the waterway. Workers hauling clay, the roar of the kilns, and the steady flow of barges laden with bricks. Villa Fornaci became a vital hub. This was thanks to its strategic location and role in the canal’s construction. Today, the village is split between two municipalities: Bellinzago Lombardo and Gessate. The old Padana Superiore road marks the boundary. Areas north of the road belong to Gessate, while those south fall under Bellinzago. Villa Fornaci holds a special place in Milanese history. It is the birthplace of Angelo Motta, the creator of the modern Milanese panettone. This sweet bread, now a Christmas staple, has its roots in this unassuming village. Before cars and trucks, the Martesana canal served as a major trade route. Villa Fornaci, with its bustling port, played a key role. The old Osteria, depicted in a 1698 drawing, stood by the humpback bridge leading to Bellinzago. This inn became a crossroads for trade. Goods transported overland on carts were then loaded onto barges destined for Milan. The remnants of this once-thriving trade can still be seen. Near the navigation lock, built in the 1930s, stands the former Conti e Voltolina silk mill. Built in 1880, it has since been converted into a residence. Villa Fornaci, once a hub of industry, has transformed into a quiet village. Its name and history, however, remain a testament to its crucial role in shaping the region.