Pontida
The Oath of Pontida: Between History and Legend
Hello friends! Today we're talking about the Oath of Pontida, a very important event in medieval Italian history. According to tradition, on April 7, 1167, at the Abbey of Pontida near Bergamo, the pact was signed that gave birth to the Lombard League, an important military alliance against the Holy Roman Empire of Frederick Barbarossa.
Contemporary Sources
However, there is much debate among historians about how much of this story is true. In fact, in the chronicles of the time compiled between 1152 and 1189, there is no trace of the Oath of Pontida. It is confirmed from contemporary sources that the Communes that formed the Lombard League had committed to fighting against Barbarossa's Empire.
There are at least three oaths recorded by historical sources from the time, but none of them acknowledges the Oath of Pontida as the founding moment of the Lombard League. The first, known as the "oath of the Bergamaschi," was signed between Bergamo, Brescia, Cremona, and Mantua between February and March of 1167. The second, to which Milan was added, was concluded in March of 1167. Finally, the third oath, which was also joined by Lodi, was signed in May.
Later Documents
In any case, the event of Pontida is only mentioned in 1505, about three centuries after the traditional date of the oath. The first written mention dates back to Bernardino Corio, an author of the "Historia Patria" who recounted the history of Milan.
Therefore, despite the historicity of the Oath of Pontida being uncertain and not confirmed by contemporary sources, its significance as a symbolic moment of unity between the Lombard Communes is still deeply felt and remembered.
The Abbey of Pontida
The Abbey of Pontida, where the oath was said to have been taken, is still a historic and fascinating place to visit. The complex, dedicated to Saint James the Greater, was founded in 1139 and has a rich history of events. During the medieval period, the abbey became an important cultural and religious center, but it was also involved in many wars, often suffering damage and looting.
The abbey was completely renovated between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries thanks to the contribution of noble families, so that today the complex presents a mixture of architectural styles. The interior of the church is very imposing, with some works of art of great artistic value.
Conclusion
In summary, the Oath of Pontida remains an uncertain event from a historical point of view, but its symbolic value as a moment of unity and solidarity between the Lombard Communes is still very significant. The Abbey of Pontida, where this event allegedly took place, is still a charming and visitable historic site that I recommend everyone to see at least once in their life.
