Gorgonzola
This is the most important centre between the Municipality of Milan and the River Adda. The Naviglio Martesana canal and the Strada Padana Superiore, which follows an ancient Roman road, are the axes of traditional commerce in the area.
In recent centuries local history has often been entwined with the Serbelloni noble family.
Useful information
address
via Italia,
62
20064 Gorgonzola MI
telephone +39 02 957011
information
telephone +39 02 957011
fax +39 02 95701231
» Go to the site
How to arrive
Find the public transportation and plan the route (The page is available in Italian only)
Notes
Gorgonzola, the traditional blue veined cheese, originated in the valleys of Bergamo and was introduced to Gorgonzola by the "bergamini" (herdsman) who came down with their cattle from the hill country to the plain for the winter season. It is made from pasteurised whole milk, with added lactic cultures and selected moulds to give it its characteristic veining. The ageing process lasts two months for creamy gorgonzola and more than three for the firm variety.
Today gorgonzola is recognised by the European Union and registered in the list of DOP products, i.e. those with a protected designation of origin.
The Fair dedicated to Saint Catherine is the biggest local festivity and it continues to attract huge crowds to Gorgonzola’s old centre every year on November 25th and 26th. Nowadays it offers other appealing events besides its market stalls, but it has been a popular shopping opportunity for centuries. In fact it has reportedly been held regularly since the 1700s.
In the basement of Palazzo Serbelloni the niches can still be seen where cheeses were left to mature and allow an external crust to form, thanks to the ventilation provided by windows and hopper lights. The niches have recently been restored and may be visited on request during library opening hours. The space is currently used for exhibitions. Library opening hours: Wed 2pm>6pm; Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sat 9.30am >12.30pm and 2pm>6.30pm (Tel. +39029515698).
Details
myth, legends, curiosity
Renzo Tramaglino, the main character of "I Promessi Sposi" (The Betrothed), while fleeing from Milan after the attack at the bakery "... saw a sign as he was strolling around Gorgonzola. He entered and asked the innkeeper who approached him for a bite to
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