The origins of its name (which in Italian means "medicine") are quite uncertain, and many hypotheses have been put forward.

A legend tells that the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, passing through Medicina from Milan fell ill and miraculously recovered because of a snake that accidentally came into the pot of his soup.

A radio observatory named "Croce del Nord" (Cross of the North) is located near Medicina (in the village of Fiorentina).

In August 2010 Medicina hosted six matches of the 2010 ICC World Cricket League Division Four, organised by Italy.

Giovanni Caprara, trainer of the Russian women volleyball team which won the World Championship in 2006, is a native of Medicina.