Discover Busto Arsizio
An industrial and commercial centre of primary importance, it has been well known in the textile sector since the middle Ages, but became famous in later centuries, when the first industry found an important aid to development using the water of the Olona River. The proximity to Milan and the tradition of hard work well established among its inhabitants make Busto Arsizio a town in the forefront in the industrial sector. Today it has diversified its activities by investing in innovation and services. Its area, together with the nearby boroughs of Castellana, Gallarate and Legnano, is covered with lively and innovative small and middle sized industries.
The most remarkable example of Renaissance art in Busto Arsizio is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Piazza, built at the beginning of the XVI century. The simple and well-proportioned building keeps a venerated wooden statue representing the Virgin, who, with her hand, stops the plague. Many artists worked in this church, such as Antonio from Lonate, Giovanni and Raffaele Crespi, Gaudenzio Ferrari and many others who played a leading role in the artistic life of Busto Arsizio.
The town doesn’t only offer Renaissance monuments: Baroque art is represented by the basilica of St. John the Baptist, built by Francesco Maria Richini in the first half of the XVII century. In addition the villas, large houses and the art nouveau industrial structures which spread throughout the centre of the town during the industrial development are important; it is worth mentioning the villas Ottolini Tosi and Tovaglieri opposite the premises of the old Cotton mill of Busto, a wonderful jewel of industrial archaeology, which today houses the Textile Museum. Here the industry is evidence of the artistic results which can be achieved under good management: the machines, the products, the buildings could be the subject of a chapter in history of art books.
The Bandiera Foundation, which promotes excellent exhibitions of major contemporary artists, and the Cicogna Palace, which houses the Library and the civic art collections, are qualified cultural centres demonstrating the lively relationship that exists between industry and culture in Busto Arsizio
