Busto Arsizio presents itself as a modern industrial and commercial center, so profoundly characterized by the development of its production system, that it is difficult to imagine the life, history and urban landscape in the period preceding the industrial revolution.
Busto Arsizio is an Italian city and comune in the south-easternmost part of the Province of Varese, in the region of Lombardy, in Northern Italy, 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of Milan. The economy of Busto Arsizio is mainly based on industry and commerce. It is the fifth municipality in the region by population and the first in the province.
HIGLIGHTS
Enrico Dell’Acqua was one of the protagonists of the industrial development of the city: he exported bustocchi textile products and created modern factories also in South America. Between the end of the nineteenth century and the first twenty years of the twentieth century the textile industries were joined by foundries and mechanical industries . Busto Arsizio thus acquired the dual nature of a cotton and mechanical city, a situation that ensured its long-term fortune and well-being. Thanks to its constantly improving infrastructures and excellent administration, already in 1864 Busto obtained the recognition of “city”. After the Second World War, development resumed and numerous initiatives were financially supported by the Bustesi, including Malpensa airport.
Main sights
The most important buildings of the city are the churches. In Busto Arsizio there are several of them, built in the last millennium. Many of them are reconstructions of former churches.
Shrine of Santa Maria di Piazza
The most remarkable building of the Renaissance period, indeed the only remaining, is the shrine of Santa Maria di Piazza (“Saint Mary of the Square”), also called shrine of the Beata Vergine dell’Aiuto (“Blessed Virgin of the Help”). The building stands in the city centre. It was built between 1515 and 1522. The village of Crespi d’Adda, built up for Cristoforo Benigno Crespi, is home to a smaller version of the shrine.
Saint John the Baptist’s church
The church of Saint John the Baptist, in the city center, was built between 1609 and 1635 by Francesco Maria Ricchini, but the bell tower is older (between 1400 and 1418). The façade, finished in 1701 by Domenico Valmagini, has many statues and decorations. In the interior are numerous of paintings by Daniele Crespi, a celebrated painter born at Busto Arsizio, such as Cristo morto con San Domenico and Biagio Bellotti. The square in front of this church was built over the ancient cemetery.
Saint Michael Archangel’s church
The third biggest church in the city is the Church of Saint Michael Archangel (San Michele Arcangelo). Its bell tower, built in the 10th century, is the oldest building in Busto Arsizio; originally it was part of a Lombard fortification. The present church was built by the architect Francesco Maria Richini. In the church there are some relics, the most important of which is the body of San Felice Martire.
Saint Roch’s church
Built up after the 1485 bubonic plague and dedicated to Saint Roch, invoked against the plague, it was rebuilt from 1706 to 1713 thanks to offerings made by the lawyer Carlo Visconti. Inside the church there are frescos by Salvatore and Francesco Maria Bianchi (1731) and Biagio Bellotti.
Museum of Textiles and Industry
The Museum of Textiles and Industry was officially inaugurated in 1997 after years of restoration, and its collections are representative of Busto’s economical history. They explain how the city developed from a small agricultural village to a thriving, industrial center of manufacturing and commerce in a few decades.
Traditional festivals
The patron saints of the city are Saint John the Baptist and Saint Michael Archangel, whose feasts are traditionally celebrated on 24 June and 29 September.
In recent times the town council has given also civic relevance to celebrations that up to now were almost completely of a religious kind. During winter it is an established tradition since time immemorial the burning of the Giöbia (historical spelling: Gioeubia), a (usually) female puppet, symbolizing the “chasing” out of winter and its troubles, and on a more sinister note, the change from a matriarchal to a patriarchal society in ancient times. Time ago each family prepared its simple puppet to be burnt, and then its ashes were dispersed to fertilize the fields as good omen.[5] Now the celebration is more organized and publicly supported, but still heartily felt by the populace.
Busto Arsizio has two carnival masks, called Tarlisu and Bumbasina from the name of some typical textiles.Carnival in Busto Arsizio.
Music
Mina, an Italian pop star was born in Busto Arsizio. Italian violinist and conductor Uto Ughi was also born and is currently living in the city.
