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The 19th century was a period of intense industrialization in Lombardy, but it came at the cost of degrading hygienic, physical, and psychological conditions for workers in both factories and living quarters. In this context, the Crespi family, textile industrialists, stood out for their humanitarian approach towards their workers. Cristoforo Crespi founded the textile factory and built the first workers' housing in 1877 in Trezzo sull'Adda. Later, the cultural contributions of his son, Silvio, who had embraced philanthropic ideals during his education, proved crucial. Together, they promoted a housing and work project that incorporated the most innovative hygienic standards to prevent injuries and encourage rest. The factory spaces were made more spacious and well-lit. Workers were housed in a series of terraced houses, ensuring each family had adequate living space and greenery. The company also provided other essential services for daily life: schools, religious offices, and recreational activities. All of this was part of a cohesive and self-sufficient community. The Crespis also distinguished themselves in areas such as workplace safety, working hours, child labor, and wages, advocating for reforms in favor of workers. Despite persistent class differences, Crespi's employees living in the village considered themselves fortunate for their living conditions. However, this utopian dream was partially shattered by workers' struggles and, more significantly, by the market's economic logic, which rendered a company burdened with numerous welfare obligations less competitive. The 1929 crisis forced the Crespi family to sell the factory due to accumulated debts, and they were unable to reclaim it, despite the workers' hopes. Subsequently, the factory and the village fell into decline, leading to their eventual abandonment. Today, Crespi d'Adda, as the settlement came to be known, stands as a significant museum of industrial archaeology.