RHO

Rho preserves its fascinating history, evidenced by various names
over the centuries and the signs of its ancient inhabitants.

Rho in the Past

Rho, one of the oldest municipalities in Lombardy, has origins shrouded in mystery. The theories about its name vary: some suggest a connection with the Rhaudense family, whose ancestors came from Rhodes, while others link it to "Campi Raudi," the place where Consul Marius defeated the Cimbri. However, all hypotheses agree on its origin related to Celtic-Gallic settlements in the Po Valley. In 1004, Emperor Henry II granted Rho the title of Borgo (borough). During the communal era, Rho actively participated in Milan's politics. After the fall of the Sforza, Rho was plundered by the Landsknechts of Matteo Schinner. Spanish rule and the plague of 1570 brought difficulties. The recovery under the episcopate of Carlo Borromeo led to the foundation of the Sanctuary of the Madonna Addolorata in 1584. Rho's economic decline under Spanish rule worsened with the plague of 1630, commemorated by the "plague cross" in Piazza San Vittore. The Milanese nobility turned to land investments, giving rise to numerous villas and rural complexes in the 17th and 18th centuries. Rho, a witness to these vicissitudes, recovered strongly, contributing to its complex history. Around 1000, Rho was an important medieval village. In 1160, during Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's struggles against Crema and Milan, the village was destroyed but quickly rebuilt. By 1196, a Milanese judgment confirmed the presence of the Capitanei family in Rho.

Rho Yesterday and Today

(Ospedale di Rho, ieri)

(Piazza San Vittore, ieri)

Until the early 1900s, Rho's population was predominantly tied to agriculture. With the advent of the industrial economy, Rho became the head of 10 surrounding municipalities. In 1858, the railway station on the Milan-Magenta line marked a crucial change, followed in 1880 by the tram line Milan-Rho-Gallarate. In 1928, a Royal Decree united the municipalities of Mazzo, Terrazzano, Lucernate, Lainate Passirana, and Rho, laying the groundwork for the birth of a new city. In 1929, Rho Hospital was founded, followed in 1931 by the construction of the Municipal Palace and Piazza Visconti, along with the magnificent fountain. Industrial development and the expansion of commercial activities transformed Rho into a focal point and reference center for the surrounding territory. This journey culminated with the groundbreaking event of laying the first stone for the new Rho-Pero Exhibition Center on October 6, 2002, symbolizing Rho's evolution from an agricultural community to a vibrant urban and economic center.

(Stazione di Rho, ieri)

Rho Today

Today, Rho's population exceeds 50,000 people. Over time, agriculture gave way to industries such as metallurgy, textiles, and plastics, followed by automotive, construction, dairy, and petrochemical sectors. The tertiary sector includes a commercial network, financial services, radio-television, IT consulting, insurance, and pension funds. Social facilities and educational institutions meet local needs, while accommodation and healthcare facilities offer comprehensive services. Thanks to industrial development and a wide range of services, Rho plays an active role in relations with neighboring municipalities. Events such as the Sant'Antonio bonfire, Pomero exhibition, and the Holy Crucifix festival contribute to making Rho a center of attraction. The Patron Saint's festival, celebrated on May 8 with stalls and the participation of the local band, solidifies the city's dynamism.

Name and Coat of Arms

The origin of the name "Rho" is traced in the oldest document we have, dated 846, where it appears as "vico Raudo." "Vico" indicated a group of houses in open countryside, while "Raudo" probably derived from the Latin form "Rhaudum," with an uncertain meaning potentially linked to a rudimentary castle in the area. After the 16th century, the Latin form was abandoned in favor of variants like Rhodo, Rode, Ro, Rò, Rho; since 1932, the form with the "h" became official, also to distinguish the municipality from another namesake in the province of Ferrara. This choice reflects the continuous evolution of the name over the centuries, representing the desire to preserve Rho's identity through its different linguistic manifestations throughout history. Rho's coat of arms originates from the Lombard da Ro family, dating back to at least October 2, 1196. Depicted on a red background, it shows a five-spoke silver wheel, connecting the name "roeda" in dialect with the coat of arms' owner. The Municipality of Rho obtained the title of City with a Royal Decree on March 31, 1932.

Points of Interest

Nuova Fiera di Milano (New Milan Fair): Built on the site of the former Agip refinery in Rho-Pero, near Milan and on the way to Malpensa International Airport, it marks the beginning of the renewal of the Fiera Milano system. Designed by Massimiliano Fuksas, it offers eight huge pavilions, catering services, parking, and infrastructure. Its glass and steel sail roof, supported by pillars and an umbrella, positions the exhibition center prominently in the world market for size, functionality, and architectural quality.
Santuario della Madonna Addolorata (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows): Also known as Madonna dei Miracoli, the sanctuary was commissioned in 1584 by San Carlo Borromeo and completed over the centuries. The dome dates back to the 18th century, and the facade to 1785. Inside, works by artists such as Procaccini and Morazzone enrich the environment, testifying to the history and devotion associated with this place.
Chiesa Prepositurale di San Vittore Martire (Prepositural Church of Saint Victor the Martyr): Built in 1834 in neoclassical style, the church features a single-nave interior with side chapels. A bronze altarpiece on the main altar dates back to 1852, depicting the Last Supper. Frescoes and stuccoes decorate the ceiling, created in the 20th century. Recently restored, the church preserves works by Lombard artists from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Palazzo Visconti Banfi: Built in 1669 by Ercole II Visconti, the palace extends for 1550 meters, preserving original frescoes and rooms decorated by A. Lanzani in the 17th century. Not internally visitable, it represents an elegant historical testimony seen from the outside.
Villa Burba: This seventeenth-century villa, originally a country residence, displays late Baroque ornaments, balconies, gates, and a central hall with a stone fireplace. The external park hosts an exhibition of original furniture and archaeological finds, while the villa houses the library and cultural activities.
Villa Scheibler: A rural settlement in Castellazzo di Rho, Villa Scheibler, originally owned by the Simonetta family, was transformed into a hunting lodge in the 19th century. Today, it is a private residence of timeless beauty.