19th century Monza

the cappella espiatoria.

considered french symbol of aristocratic power, royal villa destined demolition. however, protests of citizens stopped process, although abandonment caused complex decay.

two-thirds of gold , silver treasures of monza cathedral delivered mint of milan, turned them coins used military expenses. bonaparte took possession of treasures of basilica , chapter library books, transferred national library in paris. iron crown left provisionally in monza.

in 1805, italian republic became kingdom of italy capital in milan. on 26 may 1805, iron crown in milan coronation of napoleon bonaparte, put on head, uttering famous phrase god gave me, woe touches it. napoleon established order of iron crown. monza received title of imperial city. viceroy of italy, eugene de beauharnais, appointed in august 1805 , settled in villa of monza. in 1807 castle demolished.

in fall of first empire (1815), austria annexed italian territories kingdom of lombardy-venetia, monza being included in province of milan. monzesi asked restoration of treasures taken french. in 1816 city returned in possession of books of treasury , chapter library. crown of agilulf, however, had been melted in paris.

the next emperor ferdinand of austria had himself crowned king of lombardy , venetia in milan iron crown (6 september 1838), opportunity extend various benefits city. new roads opened, including king ferdinand road (now via vittorio emanuele), while in 1842 bridge of lions erected near old roman bridge. in 1841 first railway connecting milan , monza inaugurated.

monza took part 5 days of milan (22–23 march 1848) monza, expelling austrian garrison. austrians returned in 1849.

in 1859, @ end of second italian war of independence, lombardy became part of kingdom of sardinia. treasure , iron crown had been transferred vienna austrians, , returned monza after conclusion of third war of italian independence (december 1866).

on 31 december 1895 monza had 37,500 permanent inhabitants. economy based on production of wheat, corn, fodder, potatoes, oats, rye , vegetables in general. source of wealth breeding of silkworms.

in 1900 monza scene of assassination of king umberto anarchist gaetano bresci. commemorate spot of crime, successor victor emmanuel iii ordered construction of expiatory chapel on via matteo da campione.