Melzo

For the community in the United States, see Melzo, Missouri.

Melzo (Lombard: Melz [ˈmɛls]) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Milan in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Milan. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 18,400 and an area of 9.7 square kilometres (3.7 sq mi).^[3]

Melzo
Comune
Città di Melzo
Coat of arms
Location of Melzo
Melzo Location of Melzo in Italy Show map of Italy Melzo Melzo (Lombardy) Show map of Lombardy
Coordinates: 45°30′N 9°25′E
Country	Italy
Region	Lombardy
Metropolitan city	Milan (MI)
Government
• Mayor	Antonio Fusè
Area [1]
• Total	9.7 km2 (3.7 sq mi)
Elevation	118 m (387 ft)
Population  (January 2009)[2]
• Total	18,400
• Density	1,900/km2 (4,900/sq mi)
Demonym	Melzesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	20066
Dialing code	02
Website	Official website

Melzo borders the following municipalities: Gorgonzola, Pozzuolo Martesana, Cassina de' Pecchi, Vignate, Truccazzano, Liscate.

Melzo received the honorary title of city with a presidential decree on March 14, 1952. It is served by Melzo railway station.

Overview

Melzo is a town of approximately 20,000 inhabitants.

For centuries, Melzo was an important agricultural centre, home to major food industry companies such as Galbani and Invernizzi. In recent decades, the town has developed into a key logistics hub within the Milan metropolitan area.

Melzo also hosts one of Italy’s most renowned cinemas, the Arcadia Cinema. Its main auditorium, Sala Energia, was recognised with the Best Hall in Europe award by the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA).

History

The town has Etruscan origins and was originally known as Melpum. Its name later evolved into Mellesiate. Due to its strategic location, Melzo maintained historical relations with both Milan and Venice.

From the 16th century onward, Melzo’s economy was primarily based on agriculture. By the 19th century, it had developed into an industrial centre focused on the textile sector. In the 20th century, its economic base shifted to the dairy industry, particularly the processing of milk and the production of various types of cheese.

Fiera delle Palme

The Fiera delle Palme^[4] (Palm Fair) is one of the most important annual events in the town of Melzo, located in the Metropolitan City of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. It is traditionally held in April, coinciding with Palm Sunday.

The fair dates back several centuries and celebrates Melzo's cultural heritage through a variety of events and exhibitions. The 404th edition is scheduled to take place from 10 to 14 April 2025.^[5]

The event features food stalls, artisan markets, cultural exhibitions, and livestock displays. It also includes amusement rides and entertainment for both children and adults. A series of pre-fair events titled Aspettando la Fiera (Waiting for the Fair) is also organised in the weeks leading up to the main festival.

Demographic evolution

Twin towns

Melzo is twinned with:

• Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain