Monza
—  Comune  —
Comune di Monza
A collage showing different features of the city of Monza.
Monza Location of Monza in Italy
Coordinates: 45°35′N 9°16′E / 45.583°N 9.267°E / 45.583; 9.267Coordinates: 45°35′N 9°16′E / 45.583°N 9.267°E / 45.583; 9.267
Country	Italy
Region	Lombardy
Province	Monza and Brianza (MB)
Government
• Mayor	Roberto Scanagatti (PD)
Area
• Total	33.03 km2 (12.75 sq mi)
Elevation	162 m (531 ft)
Population (April 30, 2009)
• Total	121,466
• Density	3,700/km2 (9,500/sq mi)
Demonym	Monzesi
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	20900
Dialing code	039
Patron saint	St. John the Baptist, St. Gerard of Dyers
Saint day	June 24, June 6
Website	Official website

Monza  listen (help·info) (Lombard: Mùnscia; Latin: Moduetia) is a city and comune on the river Lambro, a tributary of the Po, in the Lombardy region of Italy some 15 km north-northeast of Milan. It is the capital of the Province of Monza and Brianza. It is best known for its Grand Prix motor racing circuit, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

On June 11, 2004 Monza was designated the capital of the new province of Monza and Brianza. The new administrative arrangement came fully into effect in summer 2009; previously, Monza was a comune within the province of Milan.

Monza is the third-largest city of Lombardy and the most important economic, industrial and administrative centre of the Brianza area, supporting a textile industry and a publishing trade.

Monza also hosts a Department of the University of Milan Bicocca, a Court of Justice and several offices of regional administration. Monza Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

Geography and topography[link]

Monza is located in the high plains of Lombardy, between Brianza and Milan, at an altitude of 162 meters above sea level and is 15 kilometres (9 mi) from the capital of the region and about 40 km (25 mi) from Lecco and Como. Its territory is crossed from north to south by the river Lambro. At the entrance to the north in the center, between the streets Via Aliprandi and Via Zanzi, a fork of the river artificially created for defensive purposes in the early decades of the 14th century gives rise to Lambretto, which is joined to the main course Lambro at its exit to the south from the ancient circle of medieval walls (Monza) (now completely demolished). Another stream, which is also artificial, is the Canale Villoresi, constructed in the late 19th century.

Quality of life[link]

Climate[link]

Viale Cavriga in Monza Park

Monza has the typical submediterranean climate of the Po valley, with cool, short winters and warm summers; temperatures are very similar to Milan and vary from about 2 °C (36 °F) in January, the coldest month, to about 23 °C (73 °F) in July, the warmest.^[1] Precipitation is abundant, with a slight maximum in fall and a slight minimum in winter and summer; despite this, normally, the area of the city doesn't suffer drought in any season.

Monza Park[link]

Monza Park and the gardens of the Royal Palace are of notable interest. This park is one of the principal historic parks in Europe, and one of the biggest enclosed by walls. It has an area of approximately 685 hectares and is located in the northern part of the city, between the towns of Lesmo, Villasanta, Vedano al Lambro and Biassono. With the gardens of Villa Reale in Monza Park constitutes an invaluable natural, historical, and architectural monument.

Royal Villa[link]

The Royal Villa is one of the most important monuments of the city. The villa was built during the period of Austrian rule in the Duchy of Milan, as a symbol of luxury and magnificence of the Habsburg court. It was commissioned by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and dedicated to her fourth son, the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, who at that time resided in Milan, as governor of Lombardy. He wanted a Villa outside the city in which to spend the summer season and hunt. Work began in 1777 under the guidance of Giuseppe Piermarini and it consists of a central body and two wings that branch off at right angles. From the gardens of the Royal Villa it is possible to access Monza Park.

History[link]

This section may require copy editing for grammar. You can assist by editing it. (March 2012)

Origins in the Bronze Age[link]

Nymphaeum late Roman at the House of Decumani

Monza Park

The Iron Crown

Monument of Saint James the Greater

The door of the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli

Monument of Saint Charles Borromeo in front of the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli

Late 19th-century finds of funerary urns show that the human presence in the area dates back at least to the Bronze Age, when people would have lived in settlements of pile dwellings raised above the rivers and marshes.

The Roman period[link]

During the 3rd century BCE, the Romans subdued the Insubres, Gauls who had crossed the Alps and settled around Mediolanum (now Milan). A gallo-celtic tribe, who also seem to have been Insubres, then founded a village on the Lambro, of which the ruins of a bridge remain. Standing in a place where young people practised sports, the bridge was named ‘Arena’ and its remains can be seen near today’s Ponte dei Leoni (Lions Bridge).

During the Roman Empire the town was known as Modicia.

The Lombards[link]

The Lombard invasion of Italy was an important event in Monza's history and the Lombard king Autari married Theodelinda, daughter of the Bavarian ruler Garibald I.

The new queen ordered the construction near the River Lambro of an oraculum, a sort of little church, that today is part of the basilica of Saint John. Paul the Deacon, an 8th century historian of the Lombards, tells us about this, writing: "[...] Theudelinda regina basilicam costruxerat, qui locus supra Mediolanum duodecim milibus abest, [...]" ("Theodelinda built a queen basilica, whose position is twelve miles from Milan"). There is also an important legend that Theodelinda, asleep while her husband was hunting, saw in a dream a dove who told her : "Modo", Latin for "here", in order to say that she should build the oraculum in that place, and the queen answered "etiam", meaning "yes". So from the two words "modo" and "etiam", following the legend, would have derived "Modoetia", the medieval name of Monza.

Middle Ages[link]

In the Middle Ages, the commune of Monza was sometimes independent, sometimes subject to Milan and the Visconti. The Glossary of Monza probably dates to the early decades of the 10th century. With Berengar I of Italy (850-924), Duke of Friuli, and then become king of Italy in 915, even emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Monza returns to take back the lost importance after the death of Queen Teodolinda. Berengar, been emperor with the Iron Crown, the Imperial Headquarters chooses as Monza and the city government issued several decrees to the empire itself. There is also constructing a castrum fortified against the incursions of the Hungarians. Under his reign, Monza could enjoy a certain independence: it has its own system of weights and measures, could also seizing the property and mark the deeds with their signatures. Berengar was very generous with donating numerous works to his Monza Cathedral, including the famous Cross, and giving large benefits to its 32 canons and other churches. Monza hosted the walled city, in 980, Ottone II from Germany. In 1000 his son, Ottone III became the protector of Monza and all his possessions: Bulciago, Cremella, Lurago, Locate and Garlate. The economic power of the city and its prestige as the seat of coronation affirmed during the 10th century will be firmly established over the next two centuries, prompting the rivalry of Milan will try with various vicissitudes, and to subdue. In 11th century, in 1018, Ariberto of Intimiano (970-1045), Lord of Monza, was consecrated bishop of Milan, so the city lost its independence from the powerful and too close to Milan. These are the years that they see the struggles between the Emperor Corrado II, and Ariberto. When he died, leaving Ariberto important donations to the Church and clergy Monza. In Twelventh century, it is estimated that the city of Monza counted about seven thousand inhabitants. Agriculture constitutes the main activity, although the craft began to grow in importance. In 1128, at Monza in the Church of San Michele, Corrado III of Swabia, the Hohenstaufen family, is crowned King of Italy by the Archbishop of Milan, Anselmo Pusterla. In the third decade of the century, was born in Monza St. Gerard of Dyers, founder of a hospital. In 1135 Corrado III must give their kingdom to Lothar III (according to another numbering, Lothar II). In the same year Pope Innocent II takes the Church under the protection of Monza apostolic and confirms the property and privileges. The following year, Lothair guarantees the independence of the clergy Monza from Milan: Monza regains its autonomy, which is not only limited to the feudal government of lands and goods, but also extended to the spiritual power: while it is denied to other, the archpriest of Monza has confirmed the authority to order the clergy of his church (year 1150) and of course, this autonomy was never absolute, not being able to untie completely by the bishop of Milan. Frederick I Barbarossa happens to his uncle Conrad III of Swabia and twice in the city of Monza in 1158 and 1163. In this period the city returns to take on great importance and regains its independence from Milan, a city very hostile to the emperor. Frederick declares Monza as his property and also gives the "Curraria" (Ie the right to levy customs on the streets), the right usually granted only to the city of "home room". During the period of the struggle against Milan and other cities of the League, Monza is primarily an administrative center for the Barbarossa. Monza Independence lasted until 1185 when the Barbarossa ended The League with the peace of Constance, must leave the city of Milan to the dominance that the subjects again and takes possession of the Treasury of the Cathedral. In 1185 Henry VI, son of Barbarossa, was crowned king at Monza, on the occasion of his marriage to Constance of Altavilla, heir to the Norman Kingdom. In the 13th century, The City of Monza has its distinctive symbol in the Arengario. The town hall destined to clash in spirit to the Duomo, the center of religious power is built in the late 13th century. Another place is called the typical thirteenth Pratum magnum, a large open area destined to the market (equivalent to today's Piazza Trento e Trieste). As early as the 12th century Monza was a fortified place, with the free city had come to change the very structure of the medieval city. In fact, agricultural activity was joined by the craftsmanship of the shoes, and large farms outside the city walls, was developing the processing of wool. During this period, the City is again linked to the political choices, to Milan in 1221 that supports Monza, where the mayor had been excommunicated by the Archbishop of Milan, Enrico from Settala. In 1242, to help Milan who were fighting against Frederick II, the archpriest of Monza Alberich from Oreno, agrees to commit the treasures of the city, but unfortunately at the time of their return is missing a golden cup heavy magnum said. To support a second war against Frederick II, the Milanese borrow a cup of gold Monza; for its return is necessary to resort to excommunication, which was imposed in 1254: the cup is returned, but the missing gems of seventeen, as shown an inventory of 1275. Monza is increasingly linked to events in Milan and to share their stories and their enemies: in 1255 the city was sacked by the Ghibellines in 1259 and Ezzelino Romano tries to seize the castle of Monza, but it is rejected and the village is put on fire. It was fate, however, that the treasure of the basilica still pass from hand to hand as a pledge as security for loans received: in 1273 is held at the Humble of St. Agatha (the present church Carrobiolo) in Monza in 1311 and is engaged in some bankers that safety will transfer to Avignon. Among the members of the delegation was also Martino Aliprandi, a resident of Milan, but belonging to an important family of Monza. Only in 1319 the treasure will be returned to Monza, thanks to Matteo I Visconti, former Vicar and Lord Imperial of Milan. Monza remains involved in the struggles between the Della Torre and the Visconti. It is manned by soldiers in Milan in 1275. After the decisive victory of Visconti's at the Battle of Desio in 1277 is occupied by Archbishop Ottone Visconti and the Marquis of Monferrato, Guglielmo (1278) and the following year the town was declared a possession of the mayor and the people of Milan.

From the 14th century to 17th century[link]

The Church of Santa Maria in Strada

The year 1300, the first Jubilee in history of Christianity, sees the beginning of the reconstruction of the cathedral, promoted by Matteo Visconti. The new Emperor Henry VII, in 1311, is not the iron crown at Monza (alienated by Torriani), and you pack a special crown to be crowned king of the Romans. In 1312, Monza adheres to the Ghibelline faction. Enrico Aliprandi, a member of the eminent family of Monza, adheres to the faction of the Torriani, many enlisted soldiers under his command, and Lord of Monza is acclaimed by the people in 1322. In the same year, Luchino Visconti and Francesco Garbagnate demolish the walls Monza to keep it to defend itself against attacks from the side of Milan. In 1325 Galeazzo I, conquered the city after a long siege, puts his hand to new great works of defense: the bifurcation of the River Lambro (the Lambretto) and the construction of a castle, the third in Monza. The first building consisted of a high tower forty-two meters, became a place of terrible prison (the prison of the ovens). The Castle of Monza was later expanded so much that you had to knock down a church (St. Mary of Ingino), and two other towers were built along the River Lambro. In 1327 the same Galeazzo I is locked up in the ovens of Monza by order of Emperor Louis of Bavaria and will be released next year. In April 1329, Pinalla Aliprandi, with a handful of knights Visconti, regaining Monza, occupied by the troops of Louis IV the Bavarian. Azzone Visconti grants that Monza is again surrounded by walls: the work beginning in 1333 and lasting until 1381. Martino Aliprandi is Chief of Monza from 1334 to 1336, where by the construction of the walls and the fortification of the fortress. In 1354 Pope Innocent VI proclaimed the undisputed right to impose in the Cathedral of Monza, the Crown of Italy, the Crown of Iron. In 1380 Gian Galeazzo Visconti donated the castle to his wife Catherine of Monza, then you will die in 1404, his son Giovanni Maria imprigionatavi. An outbreak of plague spreads in 1402. In 1407 Estorre Visconti was proclaimed Lord of Monza and it minted its own coinage, the death of Giovanni Maria Visconti (1412) was acclaimed Duke of Milan, contending that the succession to Filippo Maria Visconti, but must then repair the Castle of Monza, where is besieged: hit in the leg by a stone thrown by a siege, died from the effects of the fracture in the first days of January 1413. In 1500, King Louis XII of France, defeated and took prisoner Ludovico il Moro, occupying the Duchy of Milan and Monza following the events. With the battle of Pavia (1525) the French are defeated by the imperial forces of Charles V, and Francesco Sforza II is returned to the Duchy of Milan. In Italy the power of Spain is now predominant.

In 1526 in Monza there is a new siege. Antonio de Leyva, governor of Milan and commander of the imperial troops, in 1527, sacked the city. In the same year, the explosion of a mine causes semidistruzione the Castle of Monza.

Antonio de Leyva becomes Lord of Monza in 1529. He devoted himself to the government regulating ecclesiastical affairs, controlling taxes and duties and shutting doors. In 1530 Charles V, after the Congress of Bologna (1529–1530), is crowned with the Iron Crown.

Francesco Sforza died without heirs in 1535, then opens the question of succession to the throne of the Duchy of Milan.

Between 1537 and 1557 the estate is governed by Luigi de Leyva.

Marianna de Leyva belongs to the family or Sister Virginia, historical figure that inspired Alessandro Manzoni for the figure of the Nun of Monza. The 1630 sees the plague still raging, which causes a profound demographic and economic crises. In 1648, Monza and its territory will become the property of the Milanese family of Durini. The Duchy of Milan, Monza and therefore, remain subject to the Spanish crown until the early 18th century. Undoubtedly was the economic decline of the region (and in general all over Italy), especially in the 17th century.

Coat of Arms of the Families[link]

• 

  Aliprandi

• 

  Visconti

• 

  Della Torre (Torriani)

• 

  Sforza

• 

  Hasbsburg from Spain

18th century[link]

The whole of the Church of Santa Maria in Strada

At the end of the War of Spanish Succession (1713), the Duchy of Milan is assigned to the House of Habsburg of Austria. This historical period is a season of rebirth of the city, with a considerable development of agriculture and crafts. They built the Villa Reale. The Empress Maria Theresa, it built for his son Ferdinand, Governor of Milan, the Villa Reale (1777–1780). The choice of Monza was due not only to the beauty of the landscape, to its strategic position and the fact of being easily connected to Vienna as well as for its proximity to Milan. The construction is completed in three years by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini from Foligno. At the conclusion of the Italian campaign of Napoleon Bonaparte (1796), the Duchy of Milan was sold to the French Republic and then entered the Cisalpine Republic (which, in 1802, will become the Italian Republic).

19th century[link]

Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul of the Republic, by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

Portrait of Vittorio Emanuele II in 1849

Umberto I, King of Italy

Portrait of the Regicide (Gaetano Bresci kills Umberto I)

The Cappella Espiatoria

Map of Milan and Monza Rail Road

Disliked by the French as a symbol of aristocratic power, the Royal Villa is sold to be demolished, but the protests of citizens will receive salvation even if the abandonment causes the degradation of the complex. Two-thirds of the gold and silver treasures of the famous Duomo of Monza are delivered to the mint of Milan, which turns them into coins to meet the military expenses. Bonaparte also takes possession of the treasures of the Basilica and the Chapter Library books that are transferred to the National Library in Paris. Instead, the Iron Crown is left provisionally in Monza. In 1805, the Italian Republic became the Kingdom of Italy with its capital Milan. On May 26, 1805, the Iron Crown was in Milan for the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, who only puts on his head, uttering the famous phrase "God gave it to me, woe to anyone who touches it." Napoleon also established the Order of the Iron Crown. Monza received the title of Imperial City. The Viceroy of Italy, Eugene de Beauharnais was appointed in August 1805 he settled in the Villa of Monza. The building was restored back to life a new and brilliant period, on this occasion, took the name of Villa Reale. In 1807 the Castle was finally demolished in Monza, with its stone wall is built the fence of the park from Beauharnais wanted to complement the Villa Reale. In the fall of the First Empire (1815), Austria was annexed by the Italian territories in the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia them with their own oppressive government officials: Monza is included in the province of Milan. The Monzesi asking for the restitution of all the treasures that Napoleon had taken from Monza. Promoter of the request was the Dean Monsignor Prugnola: March 2, 1816, the city back in the possession of the books of the Treasury and Chapter Library. The return codes and also handsomely bound, but is missing from the treasury of the Crown Agilulf, stolen and melted in Paris. By decree of the Emperor Francis I of Austria in the year 1816 Monza officially became a city. In 1818 the Archduke Ranieri, Viceroy of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia reuses the Villa of Monza. The next Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria had himself crowned King of Lombardy and Venetia in Milan with the Iron Crown (September 6, 1838), with the opportunity to extend various benefits to the city. New roads are opened, including the way of King Ferdinand (now Via Vittorio Emanuele), in 1842 the Bridge of Lions is erected near the old Roman bridge Arena; installed gas lighting at night. In 1841 was inaugurated the first railway in northern connecting Milan and Monza. The craft of wool is decaying and becoming more important than the felt hat industry and connected. The first rail road built in North Italy was the Milan and Monza Rail Road opened for service on August 17, 1840. During the Five Days of Milan (22–23 March 1848) also rose Monza chasing the Austrian garrison regiment Geppert. Monza The Patriots, who joined the Lecco, then fought in Milan Porta Tosa (now Port Victoria). Driven out the Austrians, in Monza formed a "City Guard" at which women give the banner Monza. After the first war of Independence, the return of the Austrians in 1849, the General Radetzky and then the Archduke Maximilian (brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, then Emperor of Mexico) settled in the Villa Reale. The thing that mattered most was, as usual, the treasure of the basilica, which was taken by General Radetzky and brought to Mantua in 1849, but returned in the same year. In 1859, at the end of the second war of independence, the whole of Lombardy was freed by the Austrians and enters the Kingdom of Sardinia. But the treasure and the Iron Crown, after a stop in Verona, by the Austrians had been transferred to Vienna, all solemnly back at Monza only at the conclusion of the third war of independence, December 6, 1866. And the Iron Crown at Monza has remained there permanently, with two exceptions: in 1878, when, in Rome, ii was placed on the coffin of Vittorio Emanuele II and during the two world wars when it was made ​​secure in the Vatican. In 1861, after the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, the city had about 25,000 inhabitants. In 1862, Giuseppe Garibaldi's visit to Monza. On the death of the hero, after twenty-five years after his visit, Monza will dedicate a monument by the sculptor Bazzaro, in the homonymous square. In 1868, King Vittorio Emanuele II creates the Order of the Crown of Italy whose sign appears in the Iron Crown. In 1870 comes into operation the Public Library, housed at first in various municipal offices (later, in 1938, transformed the seminary will be transferred in the ancient Palazzo degli Studi). On August 22, 1891 was opened the first hospital dedicated to St. Gerard of Dyers, patron of the city with St. John the Baptist, thanks to the large donation by King Umberto I.

At December 31, 1895 had about 37,500 inhabitants Monza stable, with "internal roads 31" length of about 42 km. Around these streets there was the campaign that produced wheat, corn, fodder, potatoes, oats, rye and vegetables in general. Other source of wealth was the breeding of silkworms (the silkworms) which were processed for spinning cocoons of Brianza. On 17 August 1899 founded the Catholic weekly "The Citizen" (director of the lawyer. Filippo Meda), still in operation.

The anarchist Gaetano Bresci, who had left from United States, arrived on July 27, 1900 at Monza, and took lodgings at a house. As the royal park, near the Royal Villa was open to the public, he went there to inquire into the habits of the King Umberto I. He obtained information that the king would go to the gym for an meeting on the evening of Sunday 29. That evening at 22.30 or so, Bresci shot the king who had stood on the carraige and waved to the crowd. To conmemorate the spot and atone for the crime, his successor Vittorio Emanuele III ordered the construction of an Expiatory Chapel on Via Matteo da Campione.

20th century[link]

Piazza Trento and Trieste in 2009

Plaque dedicated to Gianni Citterio, fallen partisan and gold medal during the Second World War

At the beginning of the century Monza counts 41,200 inhabitants; in 1911 is counted among the eight most industrialized centers of Italy. The main activities are those related to the processing of cotton, the mechanics of the hat factories and industries. The First World War (1915–1918) also involved Monza as the other cities of Italy, at the end of the war the city has decided to recall its six hundred grandiose monument to the fallen (1932) by sculptor E. Pancera, located in the square Trento and Trieste (the Old Market Square). Between the two world wars, the city's industrial structure did not undergo substantial changes, while recording significant increases in production volumes. The building development was resulting in significant and sometimes messy and in 1925 he tried to impose order on urban development with a specific plan. Were torn down the old buildings that looked like an obstacle, it was modified the old Market Square in Piazza Trento e Trieste in front of which was built the new City Hall, designed by architect Brusconi. Inside the park are built the Autodromo (1922) and a golf course (1925). The Second World War, between 1940 and 1945, meant for Monza bombing, destruction and civilian casualties, and, after 1943, the Nazi occupation. The Monza events were significant in particular for the partisan resistance. In 1943 was founded the Anti-Fascist Action Front spearheaded by Gianni Citterio. In 1945, with the city in the garrison of German troops, some Monza tried to weave relations with the German command to the population to avoid reprisals and obtained an armistice from zero hours of April 25, while discussing the latest agreements reached ' Order of capitulation to the Germans who then left the city. On April 25 the new city administration took office. After the war, Monza counted eighty-five fallen partisans, including Gianni Citterio (gold medal), Ferdinando Tacoli (silver medal) and Elisa Sala. In the second half of the century the city experienced a significant increase in population and a subsequent building development. With the development of various activities occurring problems related to traffic and links to nearby towns, especially with Milan.

21st century[link]

Works along SS36 in 2011

At the beginning of the century Monza had about 120,000 inhabitants. The University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza set up its campus for the Faculty of Medicine and Science organization. For the economic importance and its surroundings, the city became the capital of the Province of Monza and Brianza (June 11, 2004). In the spring of 2009 completes the controversial relocation of the Piazza Trento e Trieste (the ancient medieval Pratum magnum). With the opportunity is brought to light part of the course of the canal once used by craftsmen weavers. In 1996 the association of "Committee San Fruttuoso", launched the idea of a tunnel instead of Viale Lombardia (SS36), one of the busiest streets in Europe, six-lane through the houses. The province responded with a proposed partial burial discovered, raised ramps and interchanges, the project immediately returned to the sender. From 1996 to 2008, it spent twelve years full of surprises. The modern idea of a tunnel coalesces first civil society, mayors and former mayors, local politicians and even the world without distinction of party. The Province proposes remedies and the artificial tunnel. Anas, Region and other government agencies will try several times but without success, to clear this. In 2008, the Minister of Infrastructures, Antonio Di Pietro, accepted to agrees to approve the project for the burial of the SS36 between Monza and Cinisello Balsamo. The work began in January 2009 with some preliminary and will be completed in September 2013 (maybe). The project is fully funded (230 million euros) from State, regional, provincial and municipalities of Monza, Cinisello Balsamo and Muggiò ALSI and Spa (South Lambro Spa water - the water purifier Monza and Brianza).

The Duomo

The Arengario

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Bridge of Lions

The Simble[link]

The medieval coat of arms[link]

The oldest coat of arms used by the town of Monza is a celestial shield,which depicts a crescent moon red with a white semi-circle to the chin. The coat of arms, goes back to 13th century. If it finds a representation in miniature of the cover placed on the Code of Statutes of the City is still preserved in the Chapter Library of the Duomo of Monza. According to the interpretation of the historic Bonincontro Morigia, which refers to the medieval symbolism, the moon is a symbol of imperial power, reflected in the white sun that is related to the papal power.

The actual coat of arms[link]

The coat of arms bearing the motto and the iron crown was originally granted a seal, according to the Morigia, by Otto III, at the time of his coronation in 996 at Monza. It was later recognized by decree of May 6, 1835 Emperor of Austria Ferdinand I of Austria was confirmed in almost identical form by a decree of 1933. In 2003 it was redesigned so that it was a version used uniformly by all municipal offices.

Main sights[link]

In the course of its history Monza withstood thirty-two sieges, but the Porta d'Agrate is all that remains of its original walls and fortifications. Nearby is the nunnery in which the nun of Monza was enclosed in Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi.

Monza is famous for its Romanesque-Gothic Duomo of Saint John. There Theodelinda's centrally-planned Greek-cross oraculum ("chapel of prayer") from c. 595 (its foundations remaining under the crossing of nave and transept) was enlarged at the close of the 13th century by enclosing the former atrium within the building. The fine black and-white marble arcaded façade was erected in the mid-14th century by Matteo da Campione. The campanile was erected in 1606 to designs by Pellegrino Tibaldi. In the frescoed Chapel of Theodelinda is the Iron Crown of Lombardy, supposed to contain one of the nails used at the Crucifixion. The treasury also contains the crown, fan and gold comb of Theodelinda, and, as well as Gothic crosses and reliquaries, a golden hen and seven chickens, representing Lombardy and her seven provinces. Though the interior has suffered changes, there is a fine relief by Matteo da Campione representing a royal Lombard coronation, and some 15th-century frescoes with scenes from the life of Theodelinda.

The historical centre also include:

• the church of Santa Maria in Strada, with a rich terra-cotta façade of 1393
• the Broletto or Arengario, the 14th-century palace of the civic commune, raised on an arcade of pointed arches, with a tall square machiolated tower terminating in a sharp central cone.
• the church of San Pietro Martire
• the memorial Cappella Espiatoria, built in 1900 in memory of the assassinated King Umberto I of Italy
• Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (15ht century)
• Oratory of St. Gregory (17th century)
• church of Santa Maria al Carrobiolo (16th century)

Nearby, the Villa Reale (royal palace) originally built by Giuseppe Piermarini in 1777 for the archduke Ferdinand of Austria, lies on the banks of the Lambro, surrounded by Monza Park, one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe.

Other villas includes the Mirabello, Mirabellino, Durini, Crivelli Mesmer, Prata, Archinto Pennati, Calloni and Villa Carminati-Ferrario.

Culture and education[link]

View of Via Italy

Libraries[link]

There are at least seven libraries:

• Civica Library, Padre Reginaldo Giuliani 1/a, road
• Library of boys, Trento e Trieste 6 square
• Saint Gerard Library, Lecco 12 road
• Cederna Library, Zuccoli 16 road
• Triante Library, Monte Amiata 60 road
• S. Rocco Library, Zara 9 road
• Park of Monza Library, Villa Mirabello

University[link]

Villoresi Park

Station of Monza

Lambro River

Stadio Brianteo

Autodromo

Plaque dedicated to blessed Luigi Talamoni

The Canale Villoresi

There are two departments of the University of Milan Bicocca located in Monza: the faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Faculty of Sociology.

Museums[link]

The Duomo's (Cathedral) Museum collection keep treasures from the time of Queen Theodolinda, including the Hen with chicks, the Cross of Agilulf, and the famous Iron Crown.

Theatres and cinemas[link]

Are: Teatro Manzoni (Manzoni Theatre); Teatro Villoresi (Villoresi Theatre); Teatro Binario 7 (Binario 7 Theatre), Sala San Carlo; AreaOdeon; Cinema Capitol; Cinema Metropol; Cinema Teodolinda

Economy[link]

Tourism and Events[link]

• F1 Grand Prix, at the beginning of September
• Feast of St. Gerard of Dyers, on June 6

Sport[link]

Monza is internationally known for the Autodromo Nazionale Monza motor racing circuit, home to the Italian Grand Prix, and previously to the Alfa Romeo team. The circuit is inside the "Parco di Monza", a park that is double the size of New York's Central Park.

Monza is also known for the "Villa Reale", a Habsburg family residence built in 1777.

The professional football club A.C. Monza Brianza 1912 play, currently in Serie C1, at the Stadio Brianteo.

The professional volleyball club Acqua Paradiso Gabeca Monza Brianza play, currently in Serie A1, at the PalaIper.

In 2006 Monza hosted the World Cyber Games tournament.

In July 2005 and July 2008, Monza hosted the "International Gran Galà Marching Show Bands" at Stadio Brianteo (with the USA band Blue Devils, 11 times WMSB Champion of the World).^{[citation needed]}

Transport[link]

Rail[link]

Monza railway station is the most important railway junction in the Brianza area. Every few minutes, trains travel between Monza and Milano via the Suburban Railway (Line S9) and via local trains that connect Monza to Lecco, Como/Chiasso (CH) and Bergamo/Brescia. Also some EuroCity trains stop in Monza. In early 2008, work began on the expansion of Subway Line MM1 from Milano/Sesto San Giovanni to Monza Bettola. Monza railway station is located in Enrico Arosio Road.

Roads[link]

Monza can be reached through the following motorways: A4-E64 (Turin-Milan-Venice), A52 (North Ring of Milan), A51 (East Ring of Milan). State road (SS.36 – Nuova Valassina) connect the city to Lecco and Sondrio. A 2 km long tunnel will be added by around September 2011 and will alleviate traffic problems that are happening in the city. The center is off limits to cars and other motorized vehicles.

Notable People[link]

• Theodoric the Great, (454–526), King of Ostrogoths
• Agilulf, (c.550–616) King of Lombardy
• Theodelinda, (c.570–628), Queen of Lombardy
• Gundeberga, (c.591–652), Queen of Lombardy and Italy
• Adaloald, (602–626), King of Lombardy and Italy
• Rothari, (606–652), King of Lombard and Italy
• Berengar I of Italy, (c. 845–924) King of Italy
• St. Gerard of Dyers, (c. 1134 or 1140–1207) Saint
• Bonincontro Morigia, (14th century) historical writer
• Giuseppe Arcimboldo, (1527–1593) painter
• Carlo Amati, (1776–1852) architect
• Paolo Mantegazza, (1831–1910) neurologist, physiologist and anthropologist
• Mosè Bianchi, (1840–1904) painter
• Luigi Talamoni, (1848–1926) priest and blessed
• Emilio Borsa, (1857–1931) painter
• Gerolamo Gaslini, (1877–1964) olear industrialist and philanthropists
• Ernesto Ambrosini, (1894–1951) atlethe
• Costantino Nivola, (1911–1988) painter and sculptor
• Fiorenzo Magni, (1920) cyclist
• Valentino Giambelli, (1928) footballer and builder
• Vittorio Brambilla, (1937–2001) F1 racer
• Adriano Galliani, (1944) footbal manager
• Daniele Massaro, (1961) footballer
• Filippo Galli, (1963) footballer
• Fabrizio Barbazza, (1963) F1 racer
• Gianni Bugno, (1964) cyclist
• Marco Monti, (1964) footballer and youth coach
• Davide Van De Sfroos, (1965) singer
• Francesco Antonioli, (1969) footballer
• Pierluigi Casiraghi, (1969) footballer
• Marco Castoldi, (1972) singer
• Massimo Brambilla (1973), footballer
• Stefano Mauri, (1980) footballer

Gallery of Notable People[link]

• 

  Agilulf, King of Lombardy

• 

  Theodelinda, Queen of Lombardy

• 

  St. Gerard of Dyers, Saint

• 

  Giuseppe Arcimboldo, painter

• 

  Paolo Mantegazza, neurologist, physiologist and anthropologist

• Magni Fiorenzo.jpg

  Fiorenzo Magni, cyclist

• 

  Vittorio Brambilla, F1 racer

• 

  Adriano Galliani, footbal manager

• 

  Gianni Bugno, cyclist

• 

  Davide Van de Sfroos singer

• 

  Marco Castoldi, singer

• 

  Stefano Mauri, footballer

Demography[link]

This city is the third place of Lombardy for number of population, with 122.712 citizens (58.744 males; 63.968 females). In Monza, the regular immigrants are 13.238, with 121 different nationalities.

Surnames[link]

Romanian market in Monza in 2011

The five most common surnames in 2011 in the city are [1]:

• Villa
• Colombo
• Sala
• Brambilla
• Galbiati

Immigration[link]

[2] – Demografic Stats

Twin cities[link]

• Indianapolis, United States
• Praha, Czech Republic

Location[link]

Destinations from Monza

	Lissone, Desio, Seregno	Villasanta, Vedano al Lambro, Arcore	Vimercate, Cornate d'Adda, Merate
	Muggiò, Limbiate, Varedo		Concorezzo, Agrate Brianza, Trezzo sull'Adda
		Monza    East
	Cinisello Balsamo, Paderno Dugnano, Bollate	Milan, Sesto San Giovanni, Segrate	Brugherio, Cernusco sul Naviglio, Melzo

References[link]

Bibliography[link]

• AA.VV. Biographyc Dizionary of Italians. Rome, 1960 (Aliprandi Pinalla).
• AA.VV. Church of St. Mark in Milan. Milan, 1998. Pag. 56–57 (Aliprandi Martino).
• Il Duomo di Monza, 1300–2000, VII Centenary of foundation. Silvana Ed., 1999.

Gallery[link]

• 

  The Duomo

• 

  Villa Reale (The Royal Palace)

• 

  Chain's bridge in the Monza Park

• 

  Church San Pietro Martire

• 

  Statue of King Vittorio Emanuele II

• 

  Teodolinda's Tower

• 

  Fontana Giovinetta

• 

  Church of St. Gerard

• 

  Statue of Mosé Bianchi

• 

  Church Santa Maria degli Angeli

• 

  Piazza Indipendenza

• 

  Piazza Castello

• 

  Lion of Frette Palace

• 

  Villa Torneamento

• 

  Piazza Roma (Rome Square)

• 

  The War Memorial in Piazza Trento and Trieste

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Monza

• City of Monza
• Monza Transportation
• Province of Monza and Brianza
• Official website of the University of Milano-Bicocca
• Official website of Saint Gerard Hospital, nationally relevant with very high specialization