Lungavilla
Welcome to Lungavilla, a municipality in the province of Pavia in Lombardy
Hello everyone, today I will tell you about a beautiful municipality called Lungavilla, located in the Po Valley of Oltrepò Pavese, between the Coppa and Staffora streams at the foot of the hills and the related Apennine mountains. The town has a population of 2451 inhabitants and boasts a wonderful history dating back to Roman times.
Physical geography
Territory
Lungavilla's territory is beautiful and varied. The area is flat and situated at the foot of the hills and the related Apennine mountains, making it an ideal location for outdoor excursions.
Climate
Lungavilla has a continental climate, and compared to the rest of the Po Valley, it is very extreme with greater temperature variations both daily and annually. Winters are often cold and snowy, with an average temperature of +4°C and an average snowfall of 50 cm. Summers are hot and dry, with an average temperature of around +30°C and rainfall almost half that of the rest of the Po Valley: it is a land of few thunderstorms.
Origin of the name
The name of the Municipality of Lungavilla dates back to the Royal Decree No. 590 of December 23, 1894. Prior to that, the town was known as ''Calcababbio'', probably derived from the verb ''calcare'' and the dialect term ''babi'' meaning "toad", an animal very common in the area. The municipal coat of arms shows a foot stepping on a toad. However, the name of Calcababbio was deemed indecorous and therefore was changed to Lungavilla. According to a legend, the new name was inspired by an exclamation of King Umberto I, who, passing through the town, exclaimed: "Oh, what a long village!".
History
The origins of Lungavilla date back to Roman times, as evidenced by the tombs found near the old Palli furnace. Over the centuries, the town has gone through various epochs that have made it a place rich in culture and traditions.
In the 13th century, Lungavilla was part of the Pavia domains in Oltrepò, probably aggregated to the podesteria of Voghera. In the 14th century, there was a small fortress belonging to the Buscaglia of Voghera. In the 15th century, it was enfeoffed to the Fregoso of Genoa (also lords of Rivanazzano Terme), but in 1493, it was purchased by the ducal minister Bergonzio Botta, from Pavia, whose family had long held the lordship of nearby Castelletto di Branduzzo. In short, Lungavilla became the main center and the seat of the fief, which always remained with the Bottas (from 1613 Botta Adorno (family)), which was elevated to a Marquisate in 1663. The Bottas were advisers and ministers first to Filippo Maria Visconti and then to Francesco Sforza.
During the Austro-Hungarian rule and the period of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Lungavilla was annexed to Lombardy along with Branduzzo and the Voghera area. In August of 1836, a violent cholera epidemic decimated the population. After a triduum of prayer, wanted by the parish priest Don G. B. Bellingeri and culminating in a procession with the formulation of a perpetual vow to the Madonna, the epidemic ended. To this day, this event is remembered with the solemn procession of August 22, called "Day of the Vow".
Conclusions
I hope this summary has sparked your interest in the history and beauty of the Municipality of Lungavilla. If you are planning to visit Lombardy, don't forget to visit this beautiful town that will surprise you with its centuries-old history and natural beauty. Thank you for reading and see you soon!
