Monteleone
Winter and Monteleone: a brief journey through the history of a Lombardy town
Winter and Monteleone is a charming town in Lombardy, located in the province of Pavia. The town has a population of about 1435 people and is situated in the plain between the Olona and the southern Lambro, at the foot of the hill of San Colombano al Lambro. In this article, we will explore the history, symbols, and main points of interest of the Winter and Monteleone municipality.
Etymology
Winter, according to scholarly tradition, derives from the Latin "Hiberna Castra," Roman winter camps. However, this hypothesis is without foundation. Nevertheless, in the 10th century, the territory was a dependency of the ancient Santa Cristina and Bissone, the nearby Longobard foundation monastery, from which it passed to the Order of the Hospitallers. The medieval castle was built by this order.
Monteleone, on the other hand, was born as "Montis Luponi" in 999 and later changed its name to "Montis Olivonis" (1374) and "Mons Oleonis" (1428). In 1863, the municipality changed its name to "Monteleone sui Colli Pavesi," while the current name was adopted only in 1961.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of the Winter and Monteleone municipality were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on 27 October 1962. The mountain and lion that make up the name Monteleone are represented in the first partition of the coat of arms. The fraction of Winter is symbolized instead by the stylized figure of the castle dominated by the symbol of the Order of Malta. The flag representing the municipality has a blue cloth.
Monuments and places of interest
The Winter and Monteleone municipality has numerous monuments and places of interest, which are worth a visit. Among the main points of interest, we find the Castle of Winter, dating back to the 15th century. It is a predominantly rural fortification, composed of four buildings arranged around a courtyard in such a way as to form a square plan, with cylindrical towers and towers with a quadrilateral base. A portico overlooks two sides of the courtyard.
Society
Winter and Monteleone has a population of about 1435 people, steadily increasing in recent years. The municipality is characterized by the presence of numerous young people and a lively cultural and sporting life.
Administration
Currently, the mayor of Winter and Monteleone is Mr. Mario Molgora. The municipality belongs to the Lomellina Mountain Community and has been included in the homogeneous zone 1 - San Colombano al Lambro.
Conclusion
Winter and Monteleone is a true treasure of Lombardy. Its history, places of interest, culture, and active social life make this municipality an excellent destination for a pleasant outing or a relaxing stay.
