Meda, Lombardy

Meda
Comune
Città di Meda

Coat of arms
Meda

Location of Meda in Italy

Coordinates: 45°40′N 09°10′E / 45.667°N 9.167°E / 45.667; 9.167
Country Italy
Region Lombardy
Province / Metropolitan city Monza and Brianza (MB)
Government
  Mayor Gianni Caimi (PD)
Area
  Total 8.33 km2 (3.22 sq mi)
Elevation 221 m (725 ft)
Population (31 December 2010)
  Total 23,221
  Density 2,800/km2 (7,200/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Medesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 20821
Dialing code 0362
Patron saint Sts. Aimo and Vermondo
Saint day September 8
Website Official website

Meda is a city and comune with 23.001 inhabitants of the province of Monza and Brianza, located in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, close to Milan and Como. It is well known as furniture centre.

Meda is served by Meda railway station.

History

Meda's history is linked to the history of its convent and of its foundation. From the latter's location on a mound (Latin: meta) stems the town's name.

According to legend, the Saints Aimo and Vermund, counts of Turbigo, were attacked by two wild boars while hunting. To save their lives, they swore to God that, if saved, they would build a convent right there. The convent was built around 780 near an old little church dedicated to St. Vittore. In order to be free from the control of the new priorate, the people of Meda built another church dedicated to St. Mary and St. Sebastian. The quarrels between the inhabitants and the convent ended on 10 December 1252, when the Prioress Maria da Besozzo gave up all her political, administrative and economic power on the village.

Later the municipal territory was held by the Visconti and Sforza families until, in the 16th century, it fell under the control of Spain and then of Napoleon. Meda later came under the power of the House of Habsburg and then, after the Second War of Italian Independence, became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

The Meda territory, on the border with the town of Seveso, was the location of the ICMESA factory, which became known in 1976 for the release of a dioxin cloud, which affected many towns of the Brianza. This event is known as the “Seveso disaster” (Disastro di Seveso).

Meda received the honorary title of city with a presidential decree on 4 September 1998.

Main sights

People

External links

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