Desio: the challenge of a town in Brianza between culture and history

Desio is a city located in the province of Monza Brianza, not far from Milan. It is considered an industrial center, specializing in textile production. Its history is very intricate, it was a land of knights and papacy, and in memory of ancient times, an event called Palio degli Zoccoli, which takes place every year in June, is characteristic. The costumed representation is inspired by an edict that had forbidden the people to use hooves in order not to disturb the game, subsequently modified with the elimination of this prohibition. The different districts of Desio challenge each other in a relay running on the typical clogs of the time, all surrounded by costumes of the time, dances and banquets. The town developed around Villa Tittoni Traversi, the ancient summer residence of a wealthy Milanese family, destination of the Grand Tour of European nobles, today it hosts events and museums. The heart of the city is Piazza Conciliazione, in which stands the statue of Pope Pius XI, born here, and of which you can visit the house museum. Pope remembered for having stipulated the Lateran Pacts with the State. In the square there is also the imposing Basilica of the saints Sito and Materno. Moving towards the historic center you can stroll in the park of Desio and in Piazza Castello. Today dedicated to Umberto I, in the past the site of a Visconti castle. Desio is also the training center of the national gymnastics team for many years.