Legnano
Legnan | |
|---|---|
| Comune di Legnano | |
 | |
 Coat of arms | |
.svg) Legnano within the Province of Milan | |
  Legnano Location of Legnano in Italy  Legnano Legnano (Lombardy) | |
| Coordinates: 45°36′N 08°55′E / 45.600°N 8.917°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lombardy |
| Province | Milan (MI) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Alberto Centinaio (PD) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 17 km2 (7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 199 m (653 ft) |
| Population (30 july 2014) | |
| • Total | 60,313 |
| • Density | 3,500/km2 (9,200/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Legnanesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 20025 |
| Dialing code | 0331 |
| Patron saint | St. Magnus |
| Saint day | November 5 |
| Website | Official website |
Legnano [lɛɲˈɲaːno] (Lombard: Legnan) is an Italian town and comune with 60,313 inhabitants in the north-westernmost part of Province of Milan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from downtown Milan. It is crossed by the river Olona, and it is the 13th town for inhabitants in Lombardy.
Thanks to the historic Battle of Legnano, Legnano is the only town, in addition to Rome, named in the Italian national anthem. Every year Legnanesi remember this battle with the Palio di Legnano.
Territory edit
Legnano is along the river Olona. The ground is mainly composed of pebbles, gravel, sand and clay. It was once covered by a thin layer of humus, unsuitable for the growing of woods, so it was mostly heathland.
History edit
The most ancient proofs a settlement in Legnano dates to pre-historic times, to the so-called Remedello culture (21st–19th centuries BC). Later it was a Celtic center, conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC.
In the Middle Ages, Legnano was the location of the battle in which Emperor Frederick I was defeated by the Lombard League (1176).
From 1820 to 1915, with the introduction of numerous textile and mechanical companies, the town grew from an agricultural to an industrial center. Most of the textile industries closed in the 1960s: today the services sector is the most thriving one.
Main sights edit
- Basilica of San Magno (early 16th century) - The church was designed by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo or one of his followers. The interior, on the Greek cross plan, contains an altar by Bernardino Luini which it is said to have been begun by Bramante or, more likely, by Amadeo or Antonio da Lonate.
- Church of Sant'Ambrogio, known from 1389. It was rebuilt in the 17th century.
- Castle, enlarged by the Torriani in 13th century re-using a former convent. Later it was owned by the Lampugnani family.
- The monument to Alberto da Giussano in the Piazza Monumento (1900).
Transport edit
The town is served by Legnano railway station.
Famous people edit
- John of Legnano, jurist.
- Bonvesin da la Riva, teacher of (Latin) grammar and a notable Lombard poet and writer
- Gioacchino Colombo, automobile engine designer.
- Gianfranco Ferré, fashion designer.
- Finley (band), rock band.
- Antonella Clerici, television host and journalist.
Sports edit
| Club | Sport | Founded | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.C. Legnano | Football | 1913 | Eccellenza |
| Legnano Basket Knights | Basketball | 1966 | Serie A2 |
| Frogs Legnano | American Football | 1977 | Serie A |
| Baseball Softball Club Legnano | Baseball and Softball | 1950 | Serie A1 (softball); Serie C1 (baseball) |
Culture edit
Together with Rome, Legnano is the only other city mentioned in the Italian national anthem by Goffredo Mameli.
"Legnano" is a famous brand of lightweight racing bicycles, named for the city in which they were produced. Notably, celebrated racers Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi rode Legnano bicycles.
The fashion house Dolce & Gabbana was founded[1] and has its administrative offices in Legnano.[2]
Twin towns edit
Aprica, Italy
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Dolce & Gabbana" (in Italian). Dizionario di Economia e Finanza - Enciclopedia italiana. Retrieved November 17, 2014.
- ^ "Dolce&Gabbana - Offices". Dolcegabbana.com. Retrieved 2013-03-26.
External links edit
- (in Italian) Legnano official website