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Lomellina is an Italian region situated to the west of Milan. In Italy it is well known as Italy's centre of rice production, with scenery of paddy fields and flat plains.
But this description doesn't encourage tourism or visitors! Lomellina also has some interesting towns such as Vigevano with historical centres, and is a choice of destination to consider if you are planning to get off the beaten track in Italy. Your visit will certainly benefit from knowing at least a little of the of Lomellina.
The first identified traces of human settlement in Lomellina have been dated to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages (prehistoric ages). The town of Vigevano also has very ancient origins and was inhabited by the Ligurians from a very early stage (the Ligurians were later displaced by the gauls).
The situation of Vigevano and the fertility of the surrounding countryside mean that it has been a lively local town for a very long time, dating back at least to the Ancient Romans who built a fortress here so they could better protect the farming products that they stored in warehouses at the town.
In due course the Romans were defeated by invading tribes and in the Middle Ages the region of Lomellina was fought over by some of the powerful local families in the region - eventually it was the Da Besate family that seized and gained control. It was in the second half of the 11th century that Vigevano was granted 'Municipality' status by Henry IV, confirming its importance at that stage.
Initially allies with Milan, the allegiances with Vigevano gave way to battles and the town was conquered by the Milanese Duke Francesco Sforza - who made the town into an important centre as his second home and governor's mansion. It was at this time that the lovely palaces of Vigevano were built, by followers of the Duke.
Nothing is as certain as change, of course, and during the centuries that followed Vigevano was ruled by many different families and groups including the Austrians, the Spanish and the Dukes of Savoy. Italy was then invaded by Napoleon who considered Vigevano to be the centre of a local 'French' district (which also included the towns of Lomello and Mortara). After the defeat of Napoleon the city and region played an active part in the Risorgimento (the Italian revolutionary struggle) and the whole region became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Each of these historical stages has left its mark on the region, and on the town of Vigevano, and the other towns, and the region has some fascinating historical monuments just waiting to be discovered.
Learn more about the monuments to be discovered in Vigevano and also other towns to explore in Lombardy in the Italy travel guide.
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