Treviglio

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Comune di Treviglio
Coat of arms of Comune di Treviglio
Municipal coat of arms

Location of Treviglio in Italy
Country Flag of Italy Italy
Region Lombardy
Province Bergamo (BG)
Mayor Ariella Borghi (since June 12, 2006)
Elevation 125 m (410 ft)
Area 31 km² (12 sq mi)
Population (as of December 31, 2006)
 - Total 27,756
 - Density 895/km² (2,318/sq mi)
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 45°31′N 09°36′ECoordinates: 45°31′N 09°36′E
Gentilic Trevigliesi
Dialing code 0363
Postal code 24047
Frazioni Geromina, Castel Cerreto, Battaglie, Pezzoli
Patron Saint Martin
 - Day February 29
Website: www.comune.trevilgio.bg.it
Basilica of San Martino.
Basilica of San Martino.

Treviglio is a town in the province of Bergamo, in Lombardy, northern Italy. Lying south of the capital city, in the lower territory marked by the Adda and the Serio rivers.

Contents

[edit] History

Treviglio was created in the High Middle Ages unifying three pre-existing settlements: Cusarola, Pisignano and Portoli. These were of Celtic, Roman and Lombard origin, respectively. Around the year 1000 Treviglio housed the inhabitants of Oriano, a commune near Brescia, which had been destroyed in the course of the struggle between Arduin of Ivrea and Henry II for the Imperial crown.

From 1225 Treviglio was a free commune whose statutes, dating from 1392, are currently housed in the city's museum. The government was held by 60 consuls, twenty for each of the original ethnic groups, who remained in charge for six months. These statutes also required that no noble could be allowed to live within the city walls.

In 1395 Treviglio gained autonomy from the Empire, which it held until 1789 as "Separate Land of the Duchy of Milan" apart several brief Venetian occupations (in 1431-1433, 1448-1453, 1499-1509). In the course of the last invasion, in 1509, the city was burnt down by the departing Venetian troops. The French king Louis XII witnessed the event and vindicated it in the subsequent Battle of Agnadello.

Treviglio joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

Benito Mussolini married Rachele Guidi in Treviglio, in a civil union, on December 17, 1915, after the future duce had recovered in the local hospital. They already had a daughter, Edda.

[edit] Main sights

  • Palazzo Municipale (Town Hall), finished in 1300. It was restored in 1582 and received another floor in 1873. It has an elegant portico.
  • Basilica of San Martino, built in 1008 over the pre-Romanesque church of the Assunta. In 1482 it was remade in Lombard-Gothic style. The current façade, though in the same style, is from 1740. The interior has works by Gian Paolo Cavagna, Camillo Procaccini and other, but the greatest feature is the polyptych of Madonna with Saints by Bernardo Zenale and Bernardino Butinone (1485), considered one of the masterworks of 15th century Lombard art. The bell tower (a former civic tower) dates to the earyl 11th century.
  • Sanctuary of Madonna delle Lacrime (1619).
  • Church of San Carlo (17th century).
  • Relief of the Gatta ("Kitty") in the Piazza Manara

[edit] Transport

Treviglio has two railway stations. One is on the Milan-Venice line, the other on the Milan-Bergamo. It can be reached by car with State Roads N. 11 (Milano-Brescia) and N. 42 (from Bergamo, to Lodi and Crema)

[edit] Economy

Agriculture and trade were prominent in the economy of Treviglio well into the 20th century, with a flourishing craft sector producing furniture and silk. Industry is now developed in the mechanics, electrics and chemical sectors. In particular, there are a cycle factory, some heavy chemical plants and a big tractor factory, owned by Same s.p.a. In last years, a shopping centre and a multiplex theatre have been built.

[edit] Twin towns