Pieve del Cairo
Welcome to Pieve del Cairo: Discover the History of this Lombard Commune
If you are looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to spend your holidays in Italy, don't miss the opportunity to visit Pieve del Cairo. This commune, located in the province of Pavia in Lombardy, has a population of 1734 and is immersed in the Lomellina lowlands.
The History of Pieve del Cairo
Pieve del Cairo has a long history dating back to the Gallo-Roman era. It was the site of an important Christian basilica, which gave it the name "Plebe Cairi". Later, it became the possession of the Palatine Counts of Lomello, but was destroyed by the infamous Frederick Barbarossa, who then assigned it to the city of Pavia. In 1250, the commune was mentioned as "Cayre Vegium", while the nearby Cairo was known as "Cayre Iuvene".
In the 14th century, the commune passed to the Beccaria family, a noble family that took its name from the place itself, Beccaria della Pieve. The castle of Pieve was destroyed by Facino Cane in 1404, but thanks to the Beccaria family, the commune prospered and developed. However, the Beccaria family of Pieve died out in 1590, and two years later, the fiefdom was bought by Lorenzo Isimbardi, lord of Cairo, who became the Marquis of Pieve del Cairo.
Symbols of Pieve del Cairo
The commune has a coat of arms and a gonfalon granted by decree of the President of the Republic on 4 November 1951. The gonfalon is a banner cut in white and red.
What to See in Pieve del Cairo
Civil and Military Architecture
The Beccaria Castle is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Pieve del Cairo. It is one of the largest Lombard castles in the area and is privately owned. The castle, rebuilt on the site of a previous fortification destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa, has a typical structure of Lombard castles from the 14th and 15th centuries, with an entrance tower and corner towers.
The Triumphal Arch
The Triumphal Arch is an unmissable monument in the city. Built by Marquis Isimbardi, it was erected in honour of the passage of Princess Margherita of Austria, who was heading to Spain to marry Philip III.
The Surroundings of Pieve del Cairo
Those who want to get away from the town a bit could go to the surrounding communes, such as Galliavola. Other interesting places to visit are San Colombano al Lambro, Trezzo sull'Adda, and Landriano.
Conclusion
In summary, Pieve del Cairo is a commune with an ancient charm, whose beauty is not only in its architecture, but above all in its geographical location and history. Staying in this place will give you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Lombard culture and appreciate the beauty of Italy.
