Ospitaletto originated in the area of today’s Piazza Roma, at the crossroads of Via Monsignor G. Rizzi and Via Brescia. Although the earliest settlements in the territory are attributed to the hamlet of Lovernato, on the road to Travagliato, evidence shows that as early as the ninth century there was a place of hospitality here for pilgrims and travelers. The town likely takes its name from the Latin term for such institutions, hospitale. Over the centuries, the hospitale grew increasingly important. Managed by the Church through monastic orders, it served as a key point of reference even in turbulent times. The dedication to Saint James reflects his role as the protector of pilgrims. A small settlement developed around it, and the structure itself gradually became a place of worship. The first church in Ospitaletto was built in the 15th century in what is now Piazza Roma, but over time it proved insufficient to accommodate the entire population during religious services. On March 25, 1687, the community petitioned the Doge of Venice, Marcantonio Giustiniani, for permission to build a new church. The request was granted on the condition that no municipal funds be used and that the expense be borne entirely by the faithful. The present parish church was completed in 1720. On one of the bell tower’s entrance doors, dating from the early 20th century, the inscription AERE HOSPITALENSIis visible in large letters, meaning “built with the funds of the hospitale,” that is, with money collected from the people of Ospitaletto.