Happy TravellerWelcome to Busto Arsizio, a vibrant city located in the south-easternmost part of the Province of Varese, in the region of Lombardy, in Northern Italy. With a rich history dating back to the Ligurians, Busto Arsizio is a city that has seen it all. From skilled ironworkers to mercenary soldiers, the city has a fascinating past that is still visible in its architecture and culture. Today, Busto Arsizio is a bustling city with a thriving economy based on industry and commerce. It is the fifth municipality in the region by population and the first in the province.
History:
Busto Arsizio has a rich history dating back to the Ligurians, who were skilled ironworkers and much sought after as mercenary soldiers. The city was created on the route between Milan and Lake Maggiore and became renowned for its production of textiles in the 13th century. Even its feudalization in later centuries under several lords, vassals of the masters of Milan, did not stop its slow but constant growth. By the mid-19th century, modern industry began to take over strongly; in a few decades, Busto Arsizio became the so-called Manchester of Italy. During World War II, Busto Arsizio was a major industrial centre for war production, and the occupying Germans moved the Italian national radio there. After the war, Busto Arsizio turned increasingly on the right of the political spectrum as its bigger industries in the 1960s and 1970s decayed, to be replaced by many familiar small enterprises and a new service-based economy.
Sights:
The most important buildings of the city are the churches. There are several built in the last millennium, many of which are reconstructions of former churches. The shrine of Santa Maria di Piazza is the most remarkable building of the Renaissance period. The church of Saint John the Baptist, in the city centre, was built between 1609 and 1635 by Francesco Maria Ricchini. The church of Saint Michael the Archangel is the third biggest church in the city and its bell tower, built in the 10th century, is the oldest building in Busto Arsizio. The church of Saint Roch was built after the 1485 bubonic plague and dedicated to Saint Roch, invoked against the plague. The Museum of Textiles and Industry was officially inaugurated in 1997 after years of restoration, and its collections are representative of Bustos economical history.
Festivals:
The patron saints of the city are Saint John the Baptist and Saint Michael the Archangel, whose feasts are traditionally celebrated on 24 June and 29 September. In winter, the burning of the Giöbia, 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, is an established tradition since time immemorial. Busto Arsizio has two carnival masks, called Tarlisu and Bumbasina from the name of typical textiles.
Sports:
Busto Arsizio is the host for the Federazione Italiana Sport Croquet, the lawns being located at the Cascina del Lupo Sporting Centre just outside the city. Pro Patria Calcio football club plays in Busto Arsizio at the Carlo Speroni Stadium. Yamamay Busto Arsizio is the main volleyball society of the city and plays in the first national division. One of the most important athletes of Busto Arsizio is Umberto Pelizzari, widely considered among the best freedivers of all time.
Transport:
Busto Arsizio is served by two railway stations: Busto Arsizio railway station, managed by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, and Busto Arsizio Nord railway station, managed by Ferrovienord. Travel from Busto Arsizio to either city is approximately 30 minutes.
Economy:
Busto Arsizios economic model has changed over the years: at the beginning, the most developed sectors were the primary and secondary sectors, but in the last decades also the tertiary sector has grown. According to Fitch, in 2009 GDP was 20% higher than the European average, while unemployment was at 4%. The city began to be called the Manchester of Italy or the city of 100 chimneys.
Neighbouring cities:
Among the surrounding municipalities to Busto Arsizio are: Marnate, Castellanza, Olg
