Breme
Breme: History and Origins
Hello friends! Today I will take you on a journey to discover a beautiful Italian commune, Breme, located in the province of Pavia, Lombardy. This ancient village, which has 713 inhabitants, is located in the lower Lomellina, where the Po and Sesia rivers meet.
But let's get straight to the facts, Breme is especially famous for the Abbey of San Pietro, dating back to the 10th century, where Benedictine monks settled after the destruction of the Novalesa Abbey by the Saracens in 929. In 1542, after the transfer of the Benedictine monks to the hermitage of Sant'Alberto di Butrio, the Olivetans took their place; from that moment, the title of abbot was cancelled and the assets of the abbey were merged with those of the monastery of San Bartolomeo in Strada di Pavia. In 1784, under the reign of King Victor Emmanuel I of Savoy, the abbey was suppressed and came under state control. At the end of the Napoleonic occupation, the abbey church was finally destroyed.
Breme, from a civil point of view, is mentioned as early as the 10th century, when it belonged to the Lomello Committee. Over the centuries, the fief passed through the hands of the Visconti, Adorno, Marchesi di Breme, Arborio di Gattinara families and in 1707 was annexed to the domains of the House of Savoy.
Symbols and Coat of Arms of the Commune
The coat of arms and banner of Breme were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on 19 September 2012. Previously, in 1942, a similar coat of arms had been recognized, with an azure background, a golden castle, and a forest in the background, with the head of the Lictor.
According to Pietro Pavesi, author of "Stemmi e sigilli comunali della Provincia di Pavia", the elements of the shield symbolize the fortress destroyed by the French and Spanish in 1638, while the forest was supposed to represent the origin of the word from which the town's name is believed to derive.
The banner, on the other hand, is a red cloth.
Monuments and Places of Interest
What to see in Breme? The Abbey of San Pietro is undoubtedly the main tourist attraction of the municipality. The original structure from the 10th century has transformed over time, until the appearance that we can admire today, dating back to the 16th century. The crypt is the only remaining part of the old abbey, with several columns that divide the three small aisles. You can also visit the monastic refectory, kitchen, and icehouse, where the monks preserved the ice. Some areas of the cloister are now used as office and association spaces.
But that's not all: Breme also offers other places of interest such as the church of San Rocco, built between 1625 and 1630, and the oratory of the Madonna del Rosario, built in 1636 and restored in 1992. Moreover, the municipality is famous for the Fiera di San Martino, held every year in November.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Breme is one of the most fascinating and historical municipalities in Lombardy, whose main treasure is the ancient Abbey of San Pietro. If you decide to visit it, don't miss the opportunity to admire the other places of interest such as the church of San Rocco and the oratory of the Madonna del Rosario. But above all, immerse yourself in the history and tradition of this fantastic village.
