The origins of Erba are lost in the mists of time. In fact, remains of ancient settlements discovered all around Erba (most notably in a cave, the so-called Buco del Piombo) clearly prove that the area had been inhabited by the Orobians, the Ligurians and the Celts long before the Roman Age. The Romans founded a colony there, 'Herba' with a political centre called 'Liciniforum' (today's Incino). In the Middle Ages, two important castles dominated the region. The former, of which little survives, stood in a higher position (Upper Erba). The latter rose in Villincino where it is still possible to see the Pusterla (the main gate) and a tower with a fine mullioned window. Over the centuries, Erba witnessed many historical events. In particular during the 12th and 13th centuries, it was the scene of many wars and fights, such as the famous Battle of Tassera against Frederick I (Barbarossa) in 1160 or the terrible and repeated sack of Incino ordered first by the Visconti (1278) and later by the Torriani family (1285). By the 15th century Erba had grown into an important commercial town whose inhabitants were so wealthy and industrious that they were given the title of 'Zentiluomini' or 'Nobili de Herba' (gentlemen or nobles). During that period, many religious complexes were built, such as the Abbey of St. Antonio in St. Maurizio and St. Maria degli Angioli near Crevenna where the clothes and tunics of all monks in Lombardy were dyed by using walnut husks. As to the religious aspect, the church of St. Eufemia remained a major point of reference for the homonymous parish for a long time. In the late 16th century, St. Charles Borromeo ordered that the provostry should be transferred from the church of St. Eufemia (in Incino) to the church of St. Maria Nascente (in Villincino) as the old St. Eufemia was considered unsafe and inadequate for the new pastoral requirements. The Spanish rule and the consequent infeudation of the territory represented a sad period for Erba. But in the 1700s the town flourished once again. Under the reign of Maria Theresa, Erba and the surrounding region saw a period of wealth and development. Many spinning mills and luxurious villas were built, villas always crowded with outstanding figures such as the Italian poets Monti, Parini and Foscolo. But Erba's real golden age was the 19th century. The town turned into a cultural centre and a famous tourist resort. Its clever inhabitants exploited the town's resources as good as possible and by 1879, the year of the inauguration of northern railway (Ferrovie Nord) Erba had become an important centre rich in culture and history. On 15th May 1979 the Italian President of the Republic decreed that the Commune of Erba should be given the title of Town. This title confirmed and strengthen the socio-economic importance of Erba, one of the most representative and industrious place in Alta Brianza (Upper Brianza).

Monuments:

Church of St. Eufemia - The church is very old, although it has been much altered over the centuries. According to recent studies, the oldest part dates back to the 7th century. The church was then rebuilt in the 12th century. Its most remarkable feature is the fine bell tower (11th century), one of the most striking example from the Romanesque period. Note its mullioned windows which form an overturned pyramid (single lancet, double and three-mullioned windows); shortened by 10 metres in 1843, this tower is now 31 metres high, the base measures 6.07 m. by 6.12 and the walls are about 1.5 m. thick. The church houses two late-Romanesque works: a marble stoup adorned with two men's heads (1212) and a marble fragment on the façade frontal, depicting a man holding an open book. The interior contains a painting by an unknown 15th century artist portraying the Madonna with two Saints and a big wood crucifix (c. early 14th century) which has only recently been restored.

Parish church of St. Maria Nascente - Few traces bear witness to the ancientness of the building as the church's present appearance results from massive restoration work done in 1850. In the same year the building interior was decored as well.

Oratory of St. Bernardino and St. Rocco - The former houses remarkable 16th century frescoes; the latter, also known as the Oratory of the Magi, is a Renaissance building.

Villa Majnoni - Erected by Achille Majnoni in the 1800 and then completely restored, this building now houses the Town Council. The villa is surrounded by a wide park which stretches up to the Teatro Licinium.

Villa Nava - It represents an interesting example of late Baroque building. It is encircled by a park which can be entered through a fine railing.
Villa Borri-Stampa - Restructured in the 1900, the villa housed the famous Italian writers Alessandro Manzoni and Carlo Porta.

Villa Amalia -
Erected on the site of a convent (Convento degli Zoccolanti) suppressed at the end of 1700, the palace was ingeniously rebuilt by the Viennese architect Leopoldo Pollak who transformed it into a beautiful neoclassical villa with an imposing entrance-hall. It is now owned by the Provincial Council.