Gravellona Lomellina
Welcome to Gravellona Lomellina!
Hello everyone! Today I will take you to discover Gravellona Lomellina, an Italian municipality located in the province of Pavia in Lombardy. With its 2,720 inhabitants, the city is located in the northeastern Lomellina and is close to Vigevano, in the plain to the right of Terdoppio.
But let's get to the history of this fascinating city!
The history of Gravellona Lomellina
Archaeological findings date back to the late Bronze Age settlements in the area at the time of the Celts in the Iron Age. The name Gravellona may date back to the Etruscans, because of the suffix "ona", meaning alluvial of stony gravel. There are also traces of residential settlements dating back to the 7th century in the area. But Roman presence left important traces such as the discovery of two sarcophagi and a bridge.
According to local tradition, the Carthaginian Hannibal would have paused before the victorious showdown against Publius Cornelius Scipio, father of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, in a campsite between Gravellona, Cassolnovo and Piccolini (today a fraction of Vigevano).
Gravellona Lomellina depended on the Diocese of Novara in the Middle Ages, which was delegated to Ingone, who held executive power. This included a fortified building (the castle), also equipped with a basilica, dating back to the 10th century. During the communal age, it was long contested between Novara and Milan. Destroyed for the first time by Berengar of Friuli, it was demolished again by the Visconti no later than 1361, and the name of the district, some walls, and a building bearing some terracotta medallions remain.
Subsequently, Gravellona passed under the control of Pavia in 1164, and in 1250 it appears in the list of Pavia lands as "Gravalona". In 1332 the castle of Gravellona appears as the property of the Cavallazzi counts, who, together with the Barbavara and the Tornielli, were the oldest feudal lords of Gravellona. In 1581, the population of Gravellona was around 1,000 inhabitants.
The monuments of Gravellona Lomellina
Gravellona Lomellina is also rich in monuments. One of these is the Castle of Gravellona, built in the 10th century and destroyed twice in the Middle Ages. We can still admire the wall structure and some parts, sometimes covered in ivy, and a building bearing some terracotta medallions. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1766, was the most famous place of worship in the city. Other sacred buildings are the Church of Madonna di Lourdes, the Parish Church of Santa Maria, and the Oratory of the Company of Mercy, dating back to the 17th century. A curiosity: the church of Madonna di Lourdes was built on the ruins of the ancient church of San Giovanni Battista.
The festivals of Gravellona Lomellina
Gravellona Lomellina is famous for its festivals such as the Carnival, which attracts many visitors every year. The Gravellona Carnival is one of the oldest festivals in the area, dating back to the 19th century. During the event, the city comes alive with colors and fun masks that parade through the streets and squares.
Another important festival is the Palio of Gravellona. It takes place on the third Sunday of September and is a horse race competition. Divided into four districts, the four "riders" compete for the Palio.
In conclusion
Gravellona Lomellina is a city with an interesting and varied history. From the Celts, to the Romans, to the feudal lords Barbavara, Cavallazzi, and Tornielli, the city has gone through many important events in its evolution. Its monuments, such as the castle and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, make it an ideal place to discover the past. The festivals, such as the Carnival and the Palio, are perfect for appreciating the culture and folklore of the area. Come and visit Gravellona Lomellina, the city awaits you!
