Proserpio is one of the northernmost municipalities of the Upper Brianza. According to tradition, the name comes from the Roman Age and, in particular, from a temple dedicated to Goddess Proserpina. Some archaeological finds dating from the Roman Age have been found at Proserpio but the most important ones date from the Middle Ages. Among the peculiarities of Proserpio it is important to remember that in the parish record office there is a diary written by priest Don Carlo Canzio who, day by day, described the terrible spreading of the plague in 1630, an event which was also described by A. Manzoni in Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed). The priest changed his parsonage first into an infirmary, then into a lazaretto and finally into a mortuary. It is also important to remember that Angiola Maria Carpani, the mother of the famous abbot Giuseppe Parini was born in Proserpio and that Parini himself stayed at Proserpio at one of his uncles' house. Casa Parravicini, probably built in the 18th century and the 19th century villa Baroggi-Staurengo testify the presence of noble families from Milan and Como.

Parish church of St. Donnino / The church was probably erected on the site of a former pagan building. Originally the façade had a rose window whereas at present on its site there is an effigy-mosaic depicting St. Donnino. At the end of 1200, the church was dedicated to St. Faustino and St. Giovita. The name of the church was changed when a relic of St. Donnino was brought to Proserpio. His figure of healer was perhaps closer to people's expectations. The walls have been recently restored.

Church of St. Rocco / It was built between 1470 and 1520. It is placed in the suburbs of the village and once had the symbolic task of acting as a guard to stop the coming plague. Moreover, as it looked on to the countryside it was very likely that peasants stopped there to pray before or after going to work. In the late 16th century it had no front wall to make the stop with the animals easier. However, the other walls were painted and it had a tiled roof and a good floor. Then it was enlarged and the original part has become the apse. It has been very recently restored. Four reliquaries on the altar contain the relics of St. Placido, St. Blandina and St. Gaudenzia: there is another name which cannot be read. The dedication says: St. Rocco is patron of infected people.