Crespi D'adda

Unusual Destination – Crespi D’adda

Crespi D’adda, an unusual destination, and probably the least known Italian UNESCO heritage site. I wonder how many of you have ever heard of this unique and a bit mysterious village in Bergamo area – probably not many. And that’s not a surprise; you won’t find it in the guidebooks and lists of “must see in Italy.” In my humble opinion, there’s a good reason for that –  Crespi d’Adda is more peculiar, rather than beautiful or breathtaking. But let’s start from the beginning.

Crespi d'Adda

History Of Crespi D’adda

On my way there, a friend of mine has told me that a place we are going to is far from being ordinary, even though at first it might not seem so. What makes Crespi D’Adda special, is not its looks, but rather its history. Back in 19th century, the family of Crespi decided to build a cotton mill and weaving factory in the province of Bergamo. However, the project quickly became much more than just a factory: they decided to create an industrial heaven, and so they did. To meet workers’ needs and desires.

Life in Crespi D’ adda

Crespi family built an entire city – a place, perfect for working and living. In fact, it was the first town in Italy to get a modern public lighting, on top of other facilities such as the clinic, school, church, shops, library and theatre, and even a swimming pool with hot showers. Instead of massive blockhouses, Crespi built single-family houses with beautiful gardens to make workers feel more comfortable and motivated. Houses have been constructed in such a way so that you could see subordination hierarchy: the higher position a worker had, the more beautiful his family house was.

Crespi D'adda

Crespi D'adda

Since Crespi D’Adda is UNESCO heritage, most of the buildings didn’t change much during the years and look gorgeous even nowadays.

Crespi D’adda garden

An interesting piece of trivia is that those houses are occupied by the descendants of people, who used to work here. We have spent some time strolling around the streets of the city, looking at houses and beautiful idyllic gardens. The only modern detail you can see is the swimming pools. Those are of all shapes and sizes in almost in every yard. Who knows how does it feel to be born in a city like that? It might seem similar to living in the museum, or as my friend noted – being a part of a “Truman Show.”

Factory work

Even the cotton factory itself resembles a museum, rather than an industrial building.

Crespi D'adda factory. Source: Wikimedia

Designed by Ernesto Pirovano, the building combines the style of Art Nouveau and eclecticism, with some elements of renaissance and Gothics. Crespi family itself used to stay in a huge Middle age style castle not too far from the factory. What about the rest of the citizens?

While parents were working, kids were attending a free school and were provided with all the necessities, starting with pens and exercise books, and ending with free meals. Gifted children were supported and given a chance to continue studying in bigger cities. Consider the fact it was the 19th century! Being in 21st, we are still not able to provide a free education for every kid. And it was an even bigger deal back then.

Cemetery

The most unusual thing in Crespi D’adda is its monumental cemetery, which reminded me of the temples in Asia.

Crespi D’adda cemetery

I would say it is a bit unusual for Italy of that time. A massive Crespi family mausoleum is shaped like a pyramid and looks impressive. Some people claim that monument symbolized Crespi unity with workers and, at the same time, shows a hierarchy. After a short visit, we came back to the main square to sit in a beautiful pine park. Life was going on; children were playing, teenagers laughed loudly, someone was walking a dog. Isn’t that how utopia looks alike?


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14 responses to “Unusual Destination – Crespi D’adda”

  1. Chelle Avatar

    You had me at Italian and UNESCO! Had never heard of this area -thanks for sharing.

  2. Varsha Avatar

    This is new place for me. It looks like old cultural destination which I prefer to visit. There is so much greenery and those flowers are calling me. I have added the place on my Bucket list.

  3. Shannon Bradley Avatar

    That cemetery looks straight out of Bali! Crazy to think it’s in Italy. What a hidden gem; you don’t find many of those in Italy these days…

  4. Marvi Avatar

    This is my first to hear about Crespi D’adda and it sounds like an amazing place to visit.. The landscapes are gorgeous and I love the fact that its a UNESCO heritage site.. All those history will be soo interesting to know!

  5. Aisha Avatar
    Aisha

    This looks like such a beautiful place to explore and photograph! I definitely wouldn’t mind spending some time here 🙂 Great discovery!

  6. Jm Avatar
    Jm

    The place looks really pretty though the cemetery looks creepy too. Anyway It is nice to see those rarely explored Unesco sites.

  7. Sherrie Fabrizi Allbritten Avatar

    Oh my gosh! How beautiful!! I love Italy (been 9 times) and we are headed back 2019 with friends, may hav etc add this to the list!

  8. Melanie Avatar

    I have never been to Italy and haven’t heard of Crespi D’adda until now! I love the history you provided and it looks like such a stunning and quaint place to visit. I am hoping to visit Italy soon and will add it to my list!

  9. neha Avatar

    This looks so beautiful. I had never heard of Crespi D’adda. I would love to visit here some day

  10. Kate and Kris Avatar

    That’s interesting. I thought this was going to be in Asia from the pictures, like you said. Even the buildings aren’t typically Italian (or what I imagine as Italian).

  11. Pericles Rosa Avatar

    Very nice post Aleksandra.
    What an interesting city!! I’ve never heard of this place before and it’s a UNESCO heritage site. wow.
    The cemetery does look like Bali though.
    Safe travels.
    Cheers

  12. Marlies Avatar

    This is so interesting! Now I want to visit this place! haha. Hopefully one day 🙂

  13. Marvi Avatar

    What an interesting place to visit indeed! Incredible how the Creeps family created such a generous and amazing city for its workers. I wonder if the Creeps family still lives there and do they still manage the area..

  14. daniele Avatar
    daniele

    I’m Italian and I didn’t know anything about this place till now 🙂 great article

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