Palazzo Leone da Perego
Museum | Legnano | Lombardia | Italy
The Palazzo Leone da Perego in Legnano, Lombardy, is a historic building that was built in 1898 and has preserved some decorations from the medieval predecessor building. It is located in close proximity to the Basilica San Magno and has two entrances, one on Via Magenta and one on Via Girardelli. The palace is named after Leone da Perego, the Archbishop of Milan who died in Legnano in 1257. Together with the Palazzo Visconti, it forms the "Corte Arcivescovile".
The medieval Palazzo Leone da Perego was probably built in the 13th century and served as a summer residence for the archbishop. In 1297, Archbishop Francesco I. da Parma granted a 40-day indulgence to the faithful who donated funds for the construction of the church of San Pietro in Saronno. In 1361, the Archbishop of Milan, Roberto Visconti, sought refuge from the plague in Legnano and died there in the Palazzo Leone da Perego. The southern side of the medieval palace was dominated by the ancient Palazzo Visconti, known in medieval documents as "preciosa pallatia".
In 1898, the medieval Palazzo Leone da Perego was demolished and rebuilt using some decorations from the previous building. Today, only two coats of arms of the Visconti family remain, located at the entrance to Corso Magenta. The palace now houses the Museo Fratelli Cozzi Alfa Romeo, a museum dedicated to the history and vehicles of the Alfa Romeo brand. It is the only museum in Italy dedicated exclusively to the Alfa Romeo brand and includes a collection of over 70 vehicles, including some of the most iconic models in automotive history.
Therefore, the Palazzo Leone da Perego is a significant historic building in Legnano that not only has architectural significance, but also serves as a cultural center preserving and presenting the history and heritage of the region.
