Explore The Crespi D'Adda In Lombardy!

Visit Crespi d'Adda in a place called Capriate San Gervasio, Lombardy in Northern Italy. This is a uniquely built company town that was constructed between the 19th and 20th century by business visionaries for its workers. This purpose-built town is still partly in use but is mostly used as a tourist site nowadays. In 1995, it earned its place on Italy’s list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Why not stay in a beautiful villa with a swimming pool in Lombardy where you can easily travel to see this unique company town?

In 1869 a wealthy Italian textile manufacturer called Cristoforo Benigno Crespi bought a stretch of land here located in between the River Brembo and River Adda. He began planning the build of a huge cotton mill on the banks of the River Adda. He helped innovate the latest modern techniques of the time in spinning, weaving and the finishing stages of cotton production. A hydroelectric power plant was built after to facilitate this rapidly growing enterprise.

In 1878 a purpose-built village of factory workers began its foundations. This unique residential area had its own school, cemetery, church, washing facilities and even a theatre!

Cristoforo Benigno Crespi made history as his cotton mill and adjoining village became the first public place in Italy to be lit up by electrically powered light!

This is a place that has to be seen to be believed! It has a perfectly designed layout, a line of trees separating the workers houses from the factory. The son of Cristoforo, introduced some excellent ideas of building newer houses with their own garden to give workers a greater sense of independence and freedom from work life.

Unfortunately in 1929, a harsh economic depression hit Italy and eventually the Crespi family were forced to sell the factory and town to the Italian Textile Enterprise.

Visit the majestic Crespi Castle where the wealthy family once lived or spend a few hours walking around this enchanting town and learn more under the guidance of a specialist tour guide.

The fascinating Crespi d’Adda has certainly earned its right to be called one of the most intriguing UNESCO World Heritage cities in all of Italy so why not come to visit this spectacular place for yourself!