Mortara
Discover Mortara: the city of the Goose Salami
Hello and welcome to the city of Mortara, a municipality in the province of Pavia in Lombardy. About 15,281 people live here and the town is primarily known for its production of the famous Mortara Goose Salami Protected Geographical Indication (European Union) (PGI).
Physical and anthropic geography
Mortara is located in central-northern Lomellina, in the plain between the Agogna and Terdoppio rivers and completely crossed by the Arbogna-Erbognone stream and the Panizzina canal. Mortara can be reached by car from Milan in about 41.5 km, from Pavia in 41 km, Vercelli in 30 km, Novara in 25 km (6 km from the border with the province of Novara and Piedmont) and Vigevano in 14 km.
The climate in Mortara is classified as Zone E (2641 Degree Days).
There are several hamlets within the municipality of Mortara. "Casoni di Sant'Albino" is a hamlet that houses the church of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary and until 1177 there was a rural church dedicated to Santa Maria delle Barze. In "Gualina," a small hamlet with about one hundred inhabitants, there is a church from 1900 dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Bozzola. In "Madonna del Campo," there is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Campo, which is very ancient and dates back to 1145 with the name of Santa Maria della Pertica.
History
The origins of Mortara date back to the 7th century BC, and according to tradition, the city was founded by Celtic peoples. In the Middle Ages, the city belonged to the County of Lomello and underwent an important clash between the army of Charlemagne and the Lombards. According to legend, this clash led to the toponym Mortara (from Mortis Ara, the altar of the dead). Over the centuries, Mortara was subjected to various dominions and became the seat of a podestà during the Middle Ages.
The Mortara Goose Salami
As mentioned earlier, the Mortara Goose Salami is one of the city's most famous local products. This prized salami is produced only with Italian goose meat, salt, pepper, and white wine. Its shape is typical and differs greatly from that of traditional salami. It is slightly curved and at the end, it features a large knot that ensures perfect salami aging. Its production dates back to 1960 thanks to the intuition of Arturo Bagatta, a goose breeder. The Mortara Goose Salami has been recognized by the European Union as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
What to see in Mortara
Mortara offers several tourist attractions. The Basilica of San Lorenzo is a religious building of great historical and artistic importance. It was built by Benedictine monks between the 11th and 12th centuries, in Romanesque style, and underwent numerous transformations over the centuries. The Vistarino Palace is another important 15th-century building that houses the "Museum of Lomellina." Here you can admire numerous artistic and historical works, including works by local artists, archaeology, prehistory, and mineralogy.
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Campo, located in the hamlet of "Madonna del Campo," is a very ancient church dating back to 1145. Its interior is enriched with numerous works of art, including the fresco of San Cristoforo.
Events and traditions
Mortara hosts numerous events and festivals. The Goose Salami Festival is held every year in mid-September and attracts visitors from all over Italy. During the festival, it is possible to discover the production of Mortara Goose Salami, taste different gastronomic specialties, and participate in numerous cultural and musical events.
Conclusions
Mortara is a Lombardy city with a great historical, cultural, and gastronomic heritage. Its production of Mortara Goose Salami PGI is famous all over the world and represents a great tourist attraction. If you are thinking of visiting the city, do not forget to visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Vistarino Palace, and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Campo. In summer, there are many events and festivals not to be missed.
