Silvano Pietra
A small municipality in the Oltrepò Pavese plain
Silvano Pietra is a municipality located in the province of Pavia in Lombardy, characterized by its position in the Oltrepò Pavese plain and its proximity to the Po river and the Staffora and Curone streams. Although it is a small municipality, it has 629 inhabitants and an interesting history that reflects the events that have characterized this part of Italy over the centuries.
A history that begins in the time of Empress Adelaide of Burgundy
The territory of Silvano Pietra was part of the Royal Court of Corana, which was donated to the monastery of San Salvatore in Pavia by Empress Adelaide of Burgundy as early as 969. The first mention of Silvano dates back to the 12th century, when it came under the rule of Pavia along with nearby centers. It subsequently underwent several changes of hands, including, among others, the domination of the Beccaria in the 14th century, the Orsini di Lavello (1430-1468) and the Bottigella di Pavia (1468), before being taken from them in 1483 and passing to the Sanseverino. In 1528, the fiefdom went to Brunorio Pietra, who held possession until the abolition of feudalism in 1797.
The Castle with its high tower that once belonged to the Beccaria
The central square of Silvano Pietra is dominated by the Castle with its high tower that once belonged to the Beccaria and dates back to the 14th century. Belonging to the Beccaria, the Castle was probably built between the end of the 1200s and the beginning of the 1300s, and used in the early years as a prison. Today, the Castle survives only in the south wing, where one can still see traces of an old drawbridge and precious frescoes ranging from the 1400s to the 1600s.
The beauty of the buildings in the municipality
The central square of Silvano Pietra offers ample space to admire the numerous buildings that bear witness to different epochs but all of considerable workmanship. One can see the restored Romanesque church with remarkable frescoes, 14th, 15th, and 16th century brick houses consistent with the local white lime, with round arches, windows framed with terracotta tiles, and very large courtyard-gardens. Even subsequent periods are attested by the Baroque sanctuary, the neogothic farmhouse, and a Liberty-style house.
A municipality that still preserves its history today
Silvano Pietra is a municipality that still preserves its history today, thanks to its architectures that bear witness to it. Walking through its streets to discover these treasures of building culture is a unique experience that allows one to travel through time and appreciate the beauty of history.
