PHOTOREPORTAGE
The village of Crespi d’adda has been part of UNESCO’S World Heritage List since 1995. The entry describes it as “an outstanding example of 19th and early 20th century ‘company towns’ built in Europe and North America by enlightened industrialists in order to meet the workers’ needs. The site is still remarkably intact and partly used for industrial purposes, although changing economic and social conditions now threaten its very survival.”
Crespi d’adda is a perfect example of an architectural complex that depicts a rather significant historical period: that of the birth of Italy’s modern industry.
Situated in the province of Bergamo between the Adda and the Brembo rivers in the North of Italy, it was originally created by the Crespi family in 1878. This was a family of cotton manufacturers that wished to create the “ideal workers’ village.” In this “small world,” the owners “reigned” from their magnificent castle and took care of their employees. The idea resembled that of an ancient fief.
The Crespi’s residence was therefore a symbol of both their authority as well as the benevolence they bestowed upon the workers and their families. Only the factory’s employees could reside in the village, which meant that the life of the community entirely revolved around the factory, its rhythms and its requirements. “From the cradle to the grave” both inside and outside the factory, the master provided for all of the employees’ needs and of those that depended on them. This meant that the masters not only took care of the houses, but also of all public services that were necessary for a well-functioning community life: church, school, hospital, recreation club, theatre, public baths, clothing shops, groceries shops, cemetery, etc.
The village has been very well kept, and still bears its original urban and architectural characteristics. Despite the fact that the cotton factory ceased its production operations in 2004, to this very day the community is largely made up of descendants of the company’s original employees.