Swiss neutrality begins here. In 1515, at Melegnano, then Marignano, the army of François I defeated the Swiss mercenaries in Habsburg pay; after that battle the thirteen cantons signed a «perpetual peace» with France and undertook to stay out of other people's wars.
François I cared enough that he had a relief of the episode carved on his tomb at Saint-Denis. The brother of the first marquis of Melegnano became pope as Pius IV, and in 1563 he granted the town the Bolla del Perdono, which still gives a plenary indulgence at a festival of its own. The Thursday market, established by the Visconti, has never changed. There are 16,774 residents.
Risotto alla Milanese
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Next up: Saint John the Baptist, patron with the Holy Thursday plenary indulgence, Thursday 25 March
Nearest airport: Milano Linate, 11 km away
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📅 Every year, on Holy Thursday, for the Bull of Pardon granted by Pope Pius IV in 1563
Melegnano celebrates Saint John the Baptist on Holy Thursday, for the Festa del Perdono: the brother of the first Marquis of Melegnano was elected Pope under the name Pius IV, and granted the community, then called Marignano, the Bull of Pardon on 20 January 1563.
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