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Its territory extendes along the banks of the Ticino River,
between Golasecca and Vizzola Ticino, to the end of the Verbano
morenaic hills and close to the opening of the plain. The
landscape changes from wooden relieves to wide moorlands,
formerly abunding of game.
In the districts have been found several remains that testify
the presence of inhabitants since the Bronze Age. At Coarezza
and Case Nuove many cremation tombs datable XIII B.C. have
been discovered. And the tombs of the Golasecca Civilisation
and the Vigano Cromlech dated to the Iron Age.
Near Mezzana has been found a roman memorial stone that evidences
the presence around the IV century B.C. of the Votodrones,
a Gaul tribe. Many domestic tools, weapons, shields as well
coins, vessels and many other objects came to light in later
excavations.
In the Middle Age, Somma depended on the near Arsago Seprio,
that at Longobard time was more important.
Around the one thousands it was under the Visconti rule that
in 1448 as the Repubblica Ambrosiana was declared, moved to
Somma and restored their medieval castle.
During the XVIII century, under the Austrian rule, the Malpensata
moorland was cleared. A century later, several industrial
activities was established: weaving factories (Visconti di
Modrone, 1875), wool factory (Mosterts, 1867) and in the XX
century the Caproni factory and the Somma Wool Factory.
To see:
- the
Visconti Castle
- the Church of Santa Agnese, built on the site of
an ancient fortress, has been designed by Francesco Maria
Righini and preserves a valuable San Vito triptych.
- the Church of San Vito, dated 1200 and renewed many
times, preserves some frescoes by Francesco Bernardino and
a XVIII century organ.
- the Oratory of San Bernardino, built in 1523. During
a recent restore has been discovered a 1698 fresco representing
Sant'Agostino
- the Church of San Rocco, dated 1529, it was used
as isolation hospital during the epidemics of plague. In 1636
it was sacked and destroyed by the French- Savoyard troops.
- the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ghianda, built
on the site of a XIII century votive chapel, has been designed
by Pellegrino Tibaldi and preserves a valuable XV century
fresco
- the Church of Santo Stefano, close to the Sanctuary,
preserves a XVII organ made by P. Francesco Bonalanza, altars
sculptured by Viggiù artists and Bramantino frescoes.
The Church of San Rocco
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