Overview

From the ancient Romans to the Milan Innovation District.

Located at the doorstep of Milan, Rho boasts a rich past and moves toward a future based on science and technology innovation. The first settlements date back to the second century B.C. The area is first mentioned as vico raudo in a document written in 846 A.D. In 1004 Henry II the emperor gave Rho the title of Borgo (town). After years of looting and dominations, substantial recovery took place during the episcopate of Carlo Borromeo: in 1584 the miraculous shedding of tears of a painting portraying Our Lady of Sorrows led to the construction of a shrine, around which various settlements gradually developed. In the following centuries, the estate of Villa Scheibler, which was already well-known, was dedicated to the breeding of hunting dogs and thoroughbred horses. In 1665 Villa Burba Cornaggia Medici was completed with a vast rural complex around it.

In the 20^th century the agricultural economy gave way to the industrial economy, although old mills can still be found today. In 1858 the railway station was inaugurated, followed by the opening of the Milan-Rho-Gallarate tramline in 1880. Since 1878 Salumificio Citterio has contributed to Rho’s reputation in the world. In 1929 the Circolo Monumento ai Caduti Hospital was built, while the Palazzo Comunale was erected in front of Palazzo Banfi Visconti two years later.