The Humiliati [Italian Umiliati] were a mediaeval religious order – no longer in existence – dating back to the 12th century. They were particularly widespread in northern Italy and practised humility (hence the name), and evangelical poverty. They lived from manual work, also dedicating themselves to acts of charity, substantially following the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Based on the doctrines of poverty, resulting from ideals for a return to the origins of the Gospel – this was the period in which the Franciscan order was being formed – the order of the Humiliati was recognised by the Church in 1201. Thanks to its activities in trade, it became a strong centre of economic power with influence throughout the territory, and numerous houses and institutions. The order was a constant presence between the 13th and 16th centuries, i.e., from its founding to its gradual decline, which culminated in dissolution by St Charles Borromeo.
The order had both male and female branches, as well as a third order of lay brothers. The Humiliati were widespread in the Monza area, arriving at a total of sixteen settlements. Some, which had churches and convents housed the members of the first two branches, male and female, who chose to live their lives and follow the rule of the religious community. Other complexes were used for manufacturing or assistance activities, while the convenium was a meeting place for the lay members of the order – those with families and their own professions, but who also shared the vocation for the humble life.
The Humiliati were disbanded by St Charles Borromeo in 1571, having lost the evangelical spirit with which they had begun. Their properties were given to other religious orders or charity works.
The Casa degli Umiliati – now home to the Musei Civici – is a convenium. It is first recorded in the early 13th century and the Hospital of San Bernardo was added in the mid-14th century. In 1767, when the order had been disbanded for some years, Monza historian Maurizio Campini notes that the House was referred to as the “Conference or Convocation of the first Humiliati”. Above the entrance door was a fresco (now lost) of the four Delegates of the “Magnifica Comunità Monzese”, seated around a cloth-covered table and focused on distributing alms to the poor, a symbol of the charitable actions that took place at what was then the “Luogo Pio del Convegno” and adjacent hospital, now completely lost. After the abandonment of its religious function, the building served various purposes and has undergone different alterations. Nonetheless, some of the original 15th-century features can still be noted, as can others from the 18th century, while the whole building is characterised by a series of anomalies, due its complex history and to numerous interventions, Note, for example, the irregular shape of the courtyard and portico, and the asymmetrical entrance.

Insights

• The Humiliati: a Lombard history
• Monza and its millennial history