Treviglio

Infobox CityIT
img_coa = Treviglio-Stemma.png official_name = Comune di Treviglio
region = Lombardy
name=Treviglio
mapx=45.513
mapy=9.61
province = Bergamo (BG)
elevation_m = 125
area_total_km2 = 31
population_as_of = December 31, 2006
population_total = 27756
population_density_km2 =895
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|45|31|N|09|36|E|display=inline,title
frazioni = Geromina, Castel Cerreto, Battaglie, Pezzoli
telephone = 0363
postalcode = 24047
gentilic = Trevigliesi
saint = Saint Martin
day = February 29
mayor = Ariella Borghi (since June 12, 2006)
website = [http://www.comune.treviglio.bg.it www.comune.trevilgio.bg.it]

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

Twin towns

*flagicon|GER Lauingen, Germany
*flagicon|GBR Romsey, United Kingdom