What to see in Melegnano
Melegnano, how much history there is in that castle!
In the heart of the southern part of the Milan metropolitan area, along the Via Emilia SS9 road, stands Melegnano, a municipality that at first glance might be mistakenly underestimated by hurried passers-by. Yet, beyond the apparent façade of a common passing town, Melegnano conceals a beating heart of history and culture, testified by the majestic Castle that dominates the urban scene and by the numerous historical relics that can be admired strolling through its alleys.
Let’s take a step back into Melegnano’s past
The historic town of Melegnano, founded by the Romans as a station ‘ad milium nonum’ 15 km from Milan, is mentioned in the Itinerarium Burdigalense of 333 AD. The origin of Melegnano dates back to ancient times, with the first settlements attested as early as the 4th century BC. However, it was with the arrival of the Romans, around 220 B.C., that Melegnano began to gain a prominent position on the map of ancient Italy, mainly due to the construction of the Mediolanum-Placentia, one of the main road arteries of the time, which, as its name suggests, connected Milan to Piacenza.
The Middle Ages turned Melegnano into a crossroads of power struggles, marked by the clashes between the influential Torriani and Visconti families. At the time, Melegnano castle became a prestigious residence for Bernabò Visconti and later for his nephew Gian Galeazzo. The latter, however, met an untimely end there in 1402, an event that briefly broke the Visconti hegemony over the city.
The modern era saw Melegnano at the centre of the infamous Battle of the Giants in 1515, with the French army of Francis I, inflicting a decisive defeat on the Swiss troops under the Habsburg flag, thus conquering the Duchy of Milan. This victory had a significant impact on the political configuration of northern Italy, reaffirming Melegnano as a place of historical importance on a European level.
At the heart of History: the Castle and Basilica of Melegnano
View of the castello di melegnano, discover melegnano at an hotel melegnano with an hotels
The Castello Mediceo, with its imposing presence in Piazza Vittoria, is the centre of Melegnano’s historical life and a cultural landmark for the entire region. Although many of its original parts have been lost over the centuries, today’s structure still offers a unique glimpse of Renaissance architecture, with priceless 16th-century pictorial cycles adorning its rooms.
The Mediceo Castle in Melegnano: a historical gem waiting to be discovered
The Medici Castle of Melegnano, also known as ‘Receptum’, represents an architectural excellence that has withstood the tests of time. Built as far back as 1243 and subsequently extended by the Visconti, the castle has a quadrilateral structure with high towers at the corners, giving it a timeless grandeur.
A historical heritage
The castle, now owned by the Province, boasts a U-shaped plan with two corner towers and a compact brick structure. Its façade opens onto the striking Piazza Vittoria, exuding majesty in every detail. Founded by Matteo I Visconti in the late 13th century, the castle has passed through various historical eras, including the period when Gian Galeazzo Visconti chose it as one of his summer residences.
Architectural elements of the Mediceo Castle in Melegnano
The castle façade, despite its austerity, reveals the transformation that took place after 1532 from a fortress to an elegant palace, thanks to the large windows overlooking the square. The crests on the battlements, of Guelph type, on the roof and the original drawbridge testify to its former defensive grandeur.
Artistic Treasures of the Medicean Castle
Visitors have the opportunity to admire the frescoes decorating the upper rooms, dating back to 1532, which narrate the exploits of Gian Giacomo Medici, known as Medeghino. The rooms tell mythological, historical and political stories, creating a unique atmosphere steeped in art and history.
High-level cultural experience
Today, the castle hosts cultural events and guided tours, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and art of this timeless place. The guided tours are organised by the Amateur Historical Guides of Pro Melegnano – Pro Loco and represent a unique opportunity to explore this historical gem from close up.
Useful Information
If you wish to visit the Medici Castle in Melegnano, you can contact the historical guides to book a guided tour. Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a unique opportunity to discover the history and art of this unique place.
Opening hours of Melegnano Castle
Winter period (standard time)
Saturday and Sunday: 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Guided tour at 3.30pm
Summer period (summer time)
Saturday 2.30pm – 5.30pm
p.m. Guided tour 3.30pm
Sunday 3pm – 6.30pm
Guided tours 3.30pm and 5pm
Closure of the Castello Mediceo di Melegnano
from July 15th to August 31st
from November 15th to the end of February
May 1st and public holidays
Cost of admission to Melegnano Castle
Adults – 7€
Children from 6 to 16 years – 5€ Groups (minimum
10 people): 5€
Groups with reservation (minimum 10 people) on weekdays: 7€
The entrance ticket includes a guided tour
Information
Visits for groups on weekdays after booking at least 20 days in advance to: info@prolocomelegnano.it
More info: www.prolocomelegnano.it
prolocomelegnano@gmail.com
www.comune.melegnano.mi.it
facebook: @prolocomelegnano
Any changes in opening hours will be reported at the sites indicated above. It is always recommended to consult the official channels.
Address
Piazza Vittoria – Melegnano (MI)
The Minor Basilica of St John the Baptist
The Basilica Minore di San Giovanni Battista is a monument rooted in Melegnano’s religious and cultural history. Legend has it that it was founded by St Julius in the 4th century, and over the years it has preserved important works of art, such as the Bergognone altarpiece, attracting art enthusiasts from all over Italy.
The minor basilica of saint john the baptist in melegnano
The Minor Basilica of Saint John the Baptist in Melegnano (MI), consecrated in 1506, was enriched with a choir and a chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot in 1581 thanks to Saint Charles Borromeo. During restoration work in 1982, a 15th-century fresco depicting St Ambrose was discovered.
Oral tradition, handed down by the Canons of Orta in 1700, claims that the church was built by St Julius the Priest in the 4th century, during the time of St Ambrose.
The church was first mentioned in 1398 in the Notitia Cleri Mediolanensis. In 1418, Pope Martin V granted a special indulgence for the restoration of the ruined church. In 1442, the church was granted the status of provostry, emancipating it from the parish of San Giuliano. In 1506, it was dedicated to the Nativity of St John the Baptist with the creation of an extraordinary altarpiece.
The gabled façade in terracotta, the three naves with alternating system, the dome that connects to the presbytery and the bell tower from 1482 are among the church’s main features. The frescoes date back to different periods, from 1400 to 1800. The presence of two chapels dating back to the 1600s and the Baroque enrichment in the 1600s give the interior of the church a unique charm. Subsequent artistic interventions in the 20th century further enhanced its artistic heritage.
The church of San Rocco in Melegnano
The church of San Rocco in Melegnano (MI) has origins dating back to the mid-sixteenth century. The façade, rebuilt in 1907, features an image of the Saint in the centre. The bell tower, erected in 1670 and demolished in 1749, was rebuilt in 1841.
Located in the old Borgo delle fornaci, beyond the old Porta di Sant’Angelo, at the intersection of Via Zuavi and Piazza IV Novembre, the church is an important place of worship. Built around 1500, the bell tower was added in 1671 but demolished in 1749, only to be rebuilt in 1841. The façade, in late Baroque style with Rococo elements, features a mosaic depicting Saint Roch in the centre.
The upper structure has detailed curved cornices surmounted by a large cross. The single-nave interior houses several chapels, including the one on the right with a wooden crucifix and statues of St. Roch and St. Anthony Abbot, while the one on the left is dedicated to Our Lady of Grace. The high altar houses the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, with the wooden choir from 1779 behind it.
Overlooking Piazza IV Novembre, whose origins date back to a meadow for fodder production until the 1500s, the church has a history linked to the pig market from 1800 onwards, hence its dialect name ‘piasà di nimài’ (‘animal square’). In the period between 1871 and 1879, the municipal administration began negotiations with the Medici marquises to purchase the square, which was officially named Piazza IV Novembre in 1922.
Practical information
CONTACTS:
info@prolocomelegnano.it
INFO:
https://www.prolocomelegnano.it/citta/chiesa-di-san-rocco-e-piazza-iv-novembre
ADDRESS:
Via Zuavi corner Piazza IV Novembre – Melegnano (MI)
Basilica of Santa Maria in Calvenzano – Vizzolo Predabissi: a journey through history and architecture
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Calvenzano, located in Vizzolo Predabissi, represents a fascinating combination of history and architecture that winds its way through the centuries. This sacred place is the result of a stratification of three churches that have followed one another over time, offering visitors an immersion in spirituality and Romanesque art.
Basilica di santa maria in calvenzano in vizzolo predabissi, milan
The ancient roots of the Basilica
The history of the Basilica begins with a cella memoriae dating back to the 4th century, a time rich in Christian meanings and symbols. This small chapel, discovered during excavations in 1994-1996, may have commemorated the burial place of a martyr or death itself. In addition, an unusually west-facing church from earlier times testifies to the evolution of Christian architectural styles.
The hermitage of St Mary
In the 11th century, a church dedicated to St Mary was built on these ancient foundations by monks of the reformed Benedictine order of Cluny. This place of worship was part of a heritage donated to the Abbey of Cluny, underlining the religious and territorial importance of the monastic community.
The evolution of the Cluniac Church
With the arrival of the Cluny monks, the church was enlarged and transformed into a splendid example of Romanesque architecture. The three naves and alternating pillars give the basilica an impressiveness and majesty that still captivates visitors today. The use of recycled stone and the herringbone arrangement of the bricks highlight not only the technical skill of the craftsmen of the time, but also the desire to preserve and enhance the testimonies of the past.
The spirituality of the monks of Cluny
The monks of Cluny, devoted to prayer and contemplation, found in this church an ideal place to celebrate their faith and connect with the divine. Thanks to the generous donations of the faithful, they were able to devote themselves entirely to the spiritual life, leaving others to take care of the material work needed to sustain the community.
A heritage to preserve
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Calvenzano represents not only a place of worship, but also a historical and artistic heritage to be jealously guarded. Its walls tell millenary stories, inspire reverence and invite reflection on eternal themes such as faith, devotion and the beauty of sacred art.
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Calvenzano is more than just a religious building; it is a living treasure of Italian history and culture. Through the centuries, this majestic church has withstood the ravages of time, bearing witness to the power of faith and the creative genius of the artists who shaped it. Visiting the Basilica means immersing oneself in a journey through the centuries, discovering the deep roots of spirituality and Romanesque art.
Whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover or a seeker of inner peace, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Calvenzano will welcome you with open arms, ready to reveal its secrets and enchant you with its timeless beauty. Come numerous to discover this hidden jewel in the heart of Lombardy.
Practical information
INFO:
https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/architetture/schede/MI100-07843/
On the Church, Vizzolo Predabissi and Cluniac Lombardy:
https://www.comune.vizzolopredabissi.mi.it/Articoli/Conoscere-Vizzolo/200-Lombardia-Cluniacense.asp
ADDRESS:
Via della Basilica 8 – Vizzolo Predabissi (MI)
Melegnano today: between memory and future
Today, Melegnano is a fascinating destination for those in search of an enriching cultural experience, far from the clamour of large metropolises. The city, with its historic castle and ancient churches, offers an open window on history, where the past intertwines with the present in a continuous dialogue between memory and future.
Melegnano therefore invites reflection on the capacity of places to preserve and tell stories, to resist the passage of time, keeping the heritage of past centuries alive. A visit to Melegnano is a journey through time, a walk through centuries of Italian history that lives on within the walls of its castle and in the stones of its streets.
In addition to its most famous monuments, Melegnano offers corners of unexpected beauty and tranquillity, such as its small parks and public gardens, where citizens and visitors can find a moment of serenity far from the sultriness and hustle and bustle of everyday life. The cafés and small shops scattered around the historic centre offer moments of authentic Italian conviviality, where history meets taste and local culinary tradition.
Melegnano is not only a place where the past is a mere silent spectator, but also a lively and vibrant city that celebrates its history through events and historical re-enactments that animate the streets especially in spring and summer. Among these, the re-enactment of the Battle of the Giants allows visitors to plunge into the past, witnessing performances that reproduce the atmosphere and tensions of that crucial period in the city’s history.
The patronal feast of St John the Baptist is another moment of intense community sharing, where faith and tradition come together in celebrations that include solemn mass, processions, and outdoor banquets, paying homage to Melegnano’s patron saint.
Visiting Melegnano means immersing oneself in an atmosphere where every detail tells a story, offering visitors not only the chance to admire treasures of art and architecture, but also to enjoy unique experiences. Whether discovering the legends linked to its castle, admiring works of art jealously preserved in its churches, or participating in its lively traditional festivals, Melegnano is an ideal destination for those seeking to connect with Italian history in an authentic and engaging way.
Where to stay around Melegnano?
Melegnano is an ideal destination if you want to stay out of the chaos and feel like visiting the beauty of the Parco Agricolo Milano Sud (Milan South Agricultural Park), the Abbazia di Chiaravalle (Chiaravalle Abbey), the Oasi WWF Parco delle Noci (Walnut Park WWF Oasis), or the Castello Mediceo di Melegnano (Melegnano Medici Castle). The southern area of the Milan Metropolitan Area is very beautiful and we suggest you come and discover it with us at AN Hotel Melegnano.
Our four-star AN Hotel Melegnano (formerly ibis Styles Melegnano) combines luxury, comfort and a contemporary, design-oriented style. We will welcome you in an elegant and modern ambience, enhanced by avant-garde design elements and first-class services.
This is why AN Hotels is the ideal design choice for your stay in the Milano Sud area, just a stone’s throw from the A1 motorway exit, south Milan Melegnano barrier.
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Exclusive rooms, each designed to offer an ambience of luxury and comfort, stimulating creativity and relaxation.
Strategic location, a stone’s throw from the centre, but outside the chaos of Milan.
Excellent services that will enrich your experience.
Secure your stay and experience South Milan Area in a unique way. With the approaching summer season, our rooms are filling up quickly.
Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in this experience: book now and discover why our hotel is a favourite destination for design enthusiasts from all over the world, but also for families with children who want to rediscover the nature and beauty of Melegnano.
Book your nights directly on our page on AN Hotels website we will find the ideal solution for your needs, at the lowest price guaranteed, compared to all the portals, guaranteeing you all the services to make your stay unforgettable.
We look forward to welcoming you and showing you the best of the effervescent Milanese scene.
AN Hotel Melegnano
Email: info@an-hotels.com
Telephone: +390280012312
Address: Via Don Dossetti, 2 Carpiano, Milan 20074.
