Legnano

Legnano is an Italian town and comune with 59,147 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 (it). Territory 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 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 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 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 The town is served by Legnano railway station. Famous people Gianfranco Ferré, fashion designer. Antonella Clerici, television host and journalist. Sports Culture 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 has its administrative offices in Legnano. Twin towns Aprica, Italy References External links (Italian) Legnano official website