Torre Colombera
Museum | Legnano | Lombardia | Italy
The Torre Colombera in Legnano is a historic building that is the only structure from the 15th century that has been preserved in the city. It is located in a Lombard courtyard between Corso Garibaldi and Via Del Gigante, near the church of San Domenico. The name "Colombera" derives from the former use of the building as a dovecote.
History and Architecture:
The Torre Colombera was built in the mid-15th century as a hunting lodge for the Lampugnani family. The building consists of two floors and is characterized by its distinctive tower shape. In 1934, art historian Guido Sutermeister discovered that the interior walls of the building were once decorated with frescoes, which had mostly faded. The upper rooms were adorned with depictions from Roman history and peasant life, while the ground floor was decorated with coats of arms of various noble families. These frescoes were later restored and reattached to their original positions in the Torre Colombera.
Current Use:
Today, the Torre Colombera houses a museum dedicated to the history and art of the region. Visitors can admire the restored frescoes and learn more about the history of the building and the city of Legnano. The museum offers a unique insight into Lombard architecture and art of the 15th century and is a significant cultural heritage of the city.
