San Colombano al Lambro
San Colombano al Lambro: the must-visit enclave of Lombardy
If you're looking for a particularly fascinating commune to visit in Lombardy, San Colombano al Lambro could be your ideal destination. With its 7,218 inhabitants, it is the only enclave of the metropolitan city of Milan, located between the provinces of Lodi and Pavia, and is a real gem from a scenic and cultural point of view.
Territory
San Colombano al Lambro is located on the right bank of the Lambro river, about 22 kilometers southeast of the rest of the aforementioned metropolitan city. The hill on which it stands is an isolated elevation that rises compared to the Po Valley formed by clay and limestone materials from the Pliocene period placed under a layer of alluvial sediment.
The hill reaches a maximum elevation of 344 meters and is the only remaining part of a larger hillside area subsequently eroded by the action of rivers. The commune boasts a large production of San Colombano al Lambro (the wine, in fact), whose vineyards are scattered in the areas adjacent to the commune, part of the province of Lodi, the province of Pavia and the metropolitan city of Milan.
To preserve the territory, in 2000 the San Colombano Hill Regional Park was established, which offers visitors the opportunity to admire the beauty of the landscape and enjoy nature.
History
The history of San Colombano al Lambro dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by numerous historical artifacts that attest to its continuous settlement. The Irish monk San Colombano, protected by Agilulfo and Teodolinda, Lombard sovereigns, during his journey to Bobbio, where he founded the famous Abbey of San Colombano in 614, stopped here leaving a long tradition and the connection subsequently brought the name to the city.
There are historical documents that mention Mombrione or Brioni, then called Mombrone, a place where the cathedral of St. Germano and the church of San Colombano were located. These toponyms appear in some imperial and royal documents that attest and confirm the properties of the Bobbio abbey.
A real housing organization in urban centers, however, is located from the year 1000 when the foundations of the new settlement of the San Colombano village were laid.
What to see
San Colombano al Lambro offers the opportunity to visit the Pieve di San Germano, an ancient testimony of the territory, which dates back to the Carolingian period. It is a very suggestive place, whose bell tower rises majestically on the hill.
But the real jewel of the commune is the church of San Colombano, founded before the year 1000 and rebuilt in the twelfth century. This church is one of the best examples of Lombard Romanesque architecture that can be found.
San Colombano al Lambro, moreover, cannot be said to be complete without a walk to discover the numerous vineyards, which produce quality grapes used to make the famous San Colombano al Lambro wine.
Events
The commune hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Wine Festival which takes place on the first Sunday of September and celebrates the production of San Colombano al Lambro.
In August, instead, there is the White Night, an opportunity for residents and tourists to enjoy the territory united by the theme of art, food and wine, and musical performances.
Conclusions
San Colombano al Lambro is one of the treasures of Lombardy that offers visitors a perfect combination of history, culture, nature and good wine. If you're in the area, don't miss the opportunity to visit this unique and fascinating commune.
