Bereguardo
Welcome to Bereguardo: a small gem in the province of Pavia
Welcome to Bereguardo, a Lombardian municipality located in the province of Pavia, in the northwestern area of the Pavia territory. With a population of 2852 inhabitants, Bereguardo is a peaceful and charming place that offers different attractions, including a traditional boat bridge and a harbour on the Ticino river. Additionally, the municipality is located within the Lombardian Natural Park of the Ticino Valley, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The history of Bereguardo
Bereguardo has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the period of invasions in the territory, first by the Lombards and later by the Franks. Several etymological hypotheses have been made regarding the name of the village, including the French form "Beauregarde".
At the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Bereguardo Castle was built by the Visconti family of Milan to control a passage on the Ticino river, and soon became a place for entertainment and hunting for the Dukes of Milan. Thanks to its panoramic position overlooking the alluvial valley of the Ticino, the castle was nicknamed "bel riguardo".
During the fifteenth century, the castle and village of Bereguardo were enfeoffed to Matteo Mercagatti of Bologna, progenitor of the Attendolo Bolognini family, who was already the castellan of Pavia. In 1447, Count Francesco Sforza besieged the Bereguardo Castle, and through the complicity of Agnese del Maino, the lover of Duke Filippo Maria Visconti, he obtained the village.
In the eighteenth century, Bereguardo was enfeoffed to the Eleiizander family. In 1872, the abolished municipalities of Zelata and Pissarello were merged into Bereguardo.
The symbols of Bereguardo
The coat of arms and flag of Bereguardo were granted by the decree of the President of the Republic on January 16, 1979. The flag is a blue drape.
Points of interest
If you find yourself in Bereguardo, there are some attractions worth visiting. For example, the traditional boat bridge spans the Ticino river and is still used today to connect the municipality of Bereguardo to the nearby hamlet of Boscaccio. The provincial road 185 crosses the bridge, which is composed of barges.
Another interesting attraction in Bereguardo is its harbour on the Ticino river, dating back to the Visconti era. The harbour is still operational and is used for river transportation.
Conclusion
In summary, Bereguardo is a Lombardian municipality rich in history and charm. Located in the province of Pavia, it offers different attractions, including the traditional boat bridge and the harbour on the Ticino river. If you are a nature lover, we recommend exploring the Lombardian Natural Park of the Ticino Valley, which is nearby. Thanks to its history and attractions, Bereguardo is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to discover the beauty of Lombardy.
