Oliva Gessi
Welcome to Oliva Gessi
Oliva Gessi is a small municipality in the province of Pavia, Lombardy. With its 171 inhabitants, it is located on the hills of Oltrepò Pavese, between Casteggio and Montalto Pavese, and is crossed by the Rile San Zeno and Verzate streams. The name of the municipality, in fact, derives from the presence of gypsum deposits in the area, exploited since antiquity and located in the locality of Gessi.
History
The history of Oliva Gessi dates back to 972, when the emperor Otto I of Saxony donated the territory to his daughter-in-law, Theophanu Skleraina. Later, Theophanu donated Oliva (along with other locations near Montalto Pavese and Mairano near Casteggio) to the Pavia monastery of Monastero di Santa Maria delle Cacce. In 1164, the municipality came under the rule of Pavia and became part of the podesteria or squad of Montalto, enfeoffed to the Belcredi family.
The monastery continued to own Oliva as a simple land possession, under the lordship of the feudal lords of Montalto. Before the 17th century, the property passed to the Isimbardi family, feudal lords of nearby Santa Giuletta, who owned the castle and about two-thirds of the municipality's land. Over time, the property passed to the De Benedetti family of Turin, who managed the Oliva estate between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The castle of Oliva Gessi is one of the most interesting monuments of the municipality. In addition, the birthplace of Bishop and Martyr Luigi Versiglia has been transformed into a museum. Finally, you can reach the parish church by climbing the "Martyrs' Hill", erected in honor of Luigi Versiglia and his fellow martyr Callisto Caravario.
Society
Demographic Evolution
Over the years, the population of Oliva Gessi has always been quite small, but remains a very close-knit community.
Culture
Theater
Oliva Gessi is a community very attached to the theatrical arts. The theater "Maurizio Defilippi" is the largest in Europe in relation to the number of inhabitants: it can accommodate up to 100 spectators for a population of about 160 inhabitants. In addition, since 1974, the theater company "G74" has operated in Oliva Gessi. Until his death, the company was directed by the Voghera comedian Beppe Buzzi.
Administration
Mayor
Currently, the mayor of Oliva Gessi is Andrea Defilippi, elected on May 26, 2019 with the Civic List.
Union of Municipalities
Oliva Gessi is part of the Union of Lombard Municipalities of Central Oltrepò together with Corvino San Quirico and Mornico Losana.
Mountain Communities
Oliva Gessi was part of the Oltrepò Pavese Mountain Community until June 6, 2009.
Notes
Related Articles
Oliva Gessi is the birthplace of Bishop and Martyr Luigi Versiglia.
Other Projects
For further information on Oliva Gessi, visit the official website of the municipality.
