| Gallarate | ||
 | ||
| Salutation | Galara | |
|---|---|---|
| State | Italy | |
| Region | Lombardy | |
| Territory | Alto Milanese | |
| Altitude | 238 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 20.98 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 52.727 (2013 census) | |
| Prefix tel | 39 0331 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 21013 | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
| Patron | San Cristoforo (25 July) | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Gallarate is a city of Lombardy.
To know
Gallarate is part of the province of Varese. It is the third most populous city in the province, the fourteenth in Lombardy (sixth if the provincial capitals are excluded) and the hundred and thirty-sixth in Italy.
Geographical notes
Gallarate is located in the lower Varese area, 5 km from Malpensa airport. The territory is mainly flat, interrupted in the northern part by the hills of Crenna and Ronchi. The municipality is crossed by the Arno stream, called Arnetta by the inhabitants of the area and by the Sorgiorile tributary. Also in the south-east of the territory, Gallarate is lapped by the Rile stream.
According to the seismic classification the city is in zone 4 (irrelevant seismicity), as established by the PCM ordinance n. 3274 of March 20, 2003.
Gallarate has a continental climate with cold winters with many frosty days. The fog is widespread mainly on agricultural and wooded areas. Summers are hot, humid and moderately rainy. As in all highly urbanized areas, the heat island that forms in inhabited areas makes temperatures higher than in the surrounding countryside. Gallarate, like much of the Po Valley, suffers from poor ventilation. The humidity is instead always very high throughout the year. Nevertheless, the rains are also becoming less and less frequent, as is the phenomenon of fog. The main causes of bad weather are Atlantic-Mediterranean perturbations.
When to go
| Climate | gen | Feb | mar | apr | mag | down | Jul | needle | set | Oct | nov | dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum (° C) | 6.1 | 8.6 | 13.1 | 17.0 | 21.3 | 25.5 | 28.6 | 27.6 | 24.0 | 18.2 | 11.2 | 6.9 |
| Minimum (° C) | -4.4 | -2.5 | 0.4 | 4.3 | 9.0 | 12.6 | 15.3 | 14.8 | 11.5 | 6.4 | 0.7 | -3.6 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 67.5 | 77.1 | 99.7 | 106.3 | 132.0 | 93.3 | 66.8 | 97.5 | 73.2 | 107.4 | 106.3 | 54.6 |
The best time to visit Gallarate is at the end of October, when the Gallarate Jazz Festival is organized. At the beginning of November the Palio della "Rama di Pomm" is instead organized. This historical, religious and folkloristic event is organized in the Madonna in Campagna district,
Background
Many archaeological evidences date the origins of this urban nucleus to the second millennium BC, even if most of the finds are of a Gallic nature. In fact, the name of the city would also derive from the roosters.
Subsequently Gallarate, under Roman domination, became part of the province of Gallia Cisalpina.
When Ottone Visconti destroyed Castelseprio in 1287, the city became the capital of the great Seprio countryside. Precisely from this new and great role Gallarate drew great profits, transforming itself into a rich shopping center. This vocation will accompany the city even in the Sforza age.
From the sixteenth to the eighteenth century Gallarate lost its independence, ending up under the French and then Spanish domination. It thus becomes a fiefdom, which continuously passes into the hands of new families (Bentivoglio, Caracciolo, Pallavicino, Altemps, Visconti and Castelbarco). All these steps, however, did not alter his role as a leader in trade for the Upper Milanese.
For a short period, between 1786 and 1787, Gallarate was even the capital of one of the provinces of Austrian Lombardy.
The Napoleonic domination saw the town participate in the great industrial revolution, while in the period of the Restoration it was the scene of many romantic debates, preparatory to the struggles for independence and the Risorgimento. In fact, in Gallarate lived Giuseppe and Pompeo Castelli, owners of that "Renaissance pharmacy" where, according to tradition, Gerolamo Rovetta would set the novel "Romanticism". Today the pharmacy, which still exists, is called the Dahò pharmacy.
With the decree of 19 December 1860 signed by Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignano, Gallarate was awarded the title of city. In 1869 the city limits were enlarged by incorporating the municipalities of Arnate and Cedrate.
In 1923 the municipalities of Caiello and Crenna were aggregated to Gallarate.
In December 1926 the fascist government decided to create the new province of Varese and the district of Gallarate, also including municipalities of a certain demographic importance, such as Busto Arsizio, Legnano, Saronno and Rho, was thus divided between the new province and that of Milan. The city lost considerable importance due to the abolition of the districts and the consequent closure of the Sub-prefecture which had been housed in the current Palazzo Borghi until then.
Gallarate gradually focused more and more on its industrial role, of which today we have traces, as well as in the still functioning centers, in many Art Nouveau sheds, now abandoned or converted, and numerous chimneys (Gallarate at the beginning of the twentieth century was still known like the city of a hundred smokestacks). We cannot forget the memory of historical families of the city, who greatly enlarged it in the nineteenth century. the cultural and industrial breath, such as: Majno, Ponti, Bellora, Bonicalzi, Nob. Forni, Guenzani, Sartorio, Crosta, etc.
How to orient yourself
Gallarate: full screen map.The main landmarks of Gallarate are the Sempione state road SS33 and the Milan-Varese-Arona-Domodossola-Luino railway, which run parallel. Gallarate is in fact an important railway crossroads. Another important landmark is the SS336 state road of Malpensa Airport, which connects Gallarate to the aforementioned airport.
How to get
By plane
Gallarate does not have airports but is about 5 km from Milan-Malpensa, which is the second Italian hub after Rome Fiumicino.
By car
State and provincial roads
- There
state road 33 of the Sempione connects Gallarate with Milan. - There
state road 336 of Malpensa Airport, which connects Gallarate to the airport.
state road 33 of the Sempione connects Gallarate with 
state road 336 of Malpensa Airport, which connects Gallarate to the airport.Highways
Milan-Varese motorway, Gallarate exit.
Milan-Varese motorway, Gallarate exit.It is not possible to reach Gallarate through waterways.
On the train
There Gallarate station (state railways) is a fundamental interchange node of the regional network (Domodossola-Milan, Luino-Milan and Porto Ceresio-Milan lines). The city's train station has 8 passing tracks, 5 of which are equipped with platforms, and there are regional suburban trains and some Eurocity stops there.
By bus
The public transport service that connects Gallarate with the other municipalities is managed by the company STIE. There are 7 extra-urban lines that cross Gallarate:
- H609: Gallarate FS - Busto Arsizio - Castellanza - Legnano
- H609s: Lainate - Barbaiana - Legnano - Busto Arsizio - Gallarate FS (school)
- H623: Gallarate FS - Samarate - Ferno - Lonate Pozzolo
- H622: Gallarate FS - Cascina Costa (Samarate)
- H611: Gallarate FS - Cairate - Fagnano Olona.
- H611 Scholastica: Olgiate Olona - Solbiate Olona - Fagnano Olona - Cassano Magnago - Gallarate - Busto Arsizio
- H615: Scholastica: Gallarate FS - Cassano Magnago - Tradate
How to get around
By public transport
The public transport system that serves Gallarate is managed by the company AMSC. 6 urban lines are active in the municipal area:
- Line 1: Crenna - Crenna
- Line 1 crossed out: Crenna - Crenna
- Line 2: Railway Station - Railway Station
- Line 3: Madonna - Madonna
- Line 4: Moriggia - Moriggia
- Line 5: Arnate - Arnate
What see
- 1 Basilica of Santa Maria, Freedom square. It was built on the site of two ancient churches, both dedicated to Santa Maria. One is mentioned in a parchment from 974. The second was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Today's basilica was built between 1856 and 1861. The facade was completed in 1870. The church building has a single nave 89 meters long and 17.30 meters wide. The dome is 18 meters in diameter and 27 in height.
- 2 Church of San Pietro, St. Peter's Square. It was built between the eleventh century and the thirteenth century by the masters of Como, its architectural style is Romanesque with Gothic elements, its interior has a single nave. Over the centuries it has undergone several changes such as the construction of a bell tower, the construction of side apses, the enlargement of the central one, the opening of baroque windows, the transposition of the entrance door. In the fifteenth century it was transformed into a fortress and was subsequently used for other uses as a meeting place, room for carpenters and butchers. In 1844 it was declared a national monument, from 1897 to 1911 restoration work was carried out which consisted in the demolition of the bell tower and the houses leaning against the church, in the reconstruction of the ancient wooden roof and the original apse and in the decoration of the internal walls. On 28 October 1911 it was again consecrated.
- 3 Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, Ponti square. Little is known about the origins of this church which was probably built on the remains of a previous one. However, it is known with certainty that already in the fifteenth century there was an oratory in this place called the oratory of Sant'Antonio. In the second half of the eighteenth century the church was completely rebuilt, until it assumed the current architectural lines, inspired by a measured and harmonious Baroque.
- 4 Church of San Zenone, piazza della Repubblica 2. The cult of San Zenone seems to have been brought to Gallarate by Lombard soldiers from Verona. The church already existed in the 14th century and was rebuilt and enlarged two centuries later with new chapels. Again in the eighteenth century it underwent a radical makeover; the old bell tower was demolished in 1897 and replaced by the current one, more than 50 meters high and dominated by the statue of the patron saint. The facade was then completely decorated in 1935.
- 5 Church of San Rocco, Simplon course 21. It was built in the fifteenth century as a simple chapel, was later enlarged and renovated as a testimony of devotion to the saint for the protection attributed to him by the inhabitants in the difficult periods of spread of the plague (sixteenth century and seventeenth century). It was visited by San Carlo Borromeo in 1570 and by Cardinal Federigo Borromeo in 1622. The church, still incomplete at the time, functioned for a long time as an oratory. At the end of the eighteenth century valuable paintings were inserted inside.
- 6 Church of San Francesco, Risorgimento square. The church was built from 1906 to 1910 on a design by the architect Gaetano Moretti. The historic and industrial families of the city were then fabricators of the church, including: Majno, Cantoni, Ponti, Bonicalzi, the noble Forni, Sartorio and many others, as is remembered by the marble plaque placed on the left side of the central entrance. In 1919 the internal fresco was completed and the new facade was inaugurated. In 1965 a monastery of cloistered Benedictine nuns was built next to the church who have the task of preserving the church.
Events and parties
- 1 Gallarate Jazz Festival, Teatro del Popolo - Via Palestro 5. Event that is organized at the end of October.
- 2 [link not working]Palio of the "Rama di Pomm", Rione Madonna in Campagna. Historical, religious and folkloric event that is organized at the beginning of November.
What to do
- 1 [link not working]Follow the matches of the local basketball team: the Gallarate Basketball Club, via Sottocosta (Ronchi). Milita in the C2 men's championship. The 60th anniversary of the foundation was recently celebrated. In the 2005/06 season the women's basketball club (Isotec) advanced from Serie C1 to B2, and then returned (in the 2006/07 championship) to Serie C1.
- 2 Attend theatrical and film shows at the Theater of Arts, via don Minzoni 5.
Shopping
The streets of the historic center are home to numerous shops of various types and several bars.
How to have fun
Night clubs
- 1 S-mash Drink Laboratory, via Cadore 10.
Mon-Sat 08: 00-15: 30, Mon-Sun 18: 00-02: 00. Cocktail bar. - 2 Maffy's, via Felice Bassetti 2 / a. Mon-Sun 18: 00-02: 00. Pub.
Mon-Sat 08: 00-15: 30, Mon-Sun 18: 00-02: 00. Cocktail bar.Where to eat
Moderate prices
- 1 [link not working]McDonald's, via Milano, 58, ☎ 39 0331 776086.
Average prices
- 2 The King's Court, via Alessandro Manzoni, 1, ☎ 39 0331 770026.
- 3 Ilario Vinciguerra Restaurant, via Roma, 1, ☎ 39 0331 791597.
- 4 Company of Mussels, Piazza Risorgimento, 8, ☎ 39 0331 776933.
- 5 The Osteria dei Mercanti, via Giacomo Matteotti, 32, ☎ 39 0331 770412.
Where stay
Moderate prices
- 1 [link not working] Bed & Breakfast On the second path, via Olona, 48A, ☎ 39 329 3569260, @[email protected].
Average prices
- 2 [link not working]Astoria hotel, Piazza Risorgimento, 9, ☎ 39 0331 791043, @[email protected]. Three stars
- 3 Hotel La Nuova Rotaia, via Cesare Beccaria, 6, ☎ 39 0331 796180, @[email protected]. Three stars
High prices
- 4 Best Western Jet Hotel, via Shooting 22, ☎ 39 0331 772100, @[email protected]. Four stars
Safety
- Carabinieri, largo Verrotti di Pianella, ☎ 39 0331 759100.
- State Police, piazza Giovanni XXIII, ☎ 39 0331 793226.
- Finance Police, via A. Pegoraro, 10, ☎ 39 0331 792229.
- Fire fighters, Corso Sempione, 255, ☎ 39 0331 792222.
- Emergency room, via Pastori, 4, ☎ 39 0331 751111.
- Red Cross, viale XXIV Maggio, 24, ☎ 39 0331 1832920.
- Municipal police, via Galileo Ferraris, 9, ☎ 39 0331 285911.
Up turnifarmacie.it[link not working] you can view the days and opening hours of the city's pharmacies.
How to keep in touch
Post office
Gallarate owns numerous post offices.
Around
The Lombardy Natural Park of the Ticino Valley. Gallarate is a municipality in the Ticino Park, a river that flows a few kilometers west of the town. Established on January 9, 1974, it is the oldest regional park in Italy. It is located entirely in Lombardy and affects the provinces of Milan, forming a green belt around the city, Pavia and Varese, in an area of 91,410 hectares between Lake Maggiore and the Po. Ticino in Piedmont, created in 1978.
Itineraries
Castelseprio Archaeological Park (institutional site[link not working]). Located in Castelseprio, consists of the ruins of the homonymous fortified settlement and its village, as well as the nearby church of Santa Maria foris portas. Of the same archaeological unicum is the Monastery of Torba, which is however managed by the FAI. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 26, 2011, the park was established after the rediscovery of the site by Gian Piero Bognetti in the 1950s.
