Vigevano
From Vigevano to the Shoe Capital
If you are passionate about shoes, you absolutely must visit Vigevano, a town in the province of Pavia in Lombardy, Italy. With a population of inhabitants, Vigevano has become a nationally renowned industrial center thanks to its excellent shoe production. In 1866, the first industrial shoe factory opened in Vigevano, paving the way for a boom in shoe production that would make the Lomellina town famous worldwide.
The footwear boom was such that the town gained the label of "capital of shoes". The International Footwear Museum, located in the premises of the Sforza Castle, preserves the historical evidence of shoe production in Vigevano, testifying to a crucial period in Italian industrial history.
Physical Geography
Vigevano is situated in north-eastern Lomellina, on the right bank of the Ticino River which separates it from the metropolitan city of Milan. Vigevano is located within the Po Valley, so its topography is mainly flat. The climate is temperate sub-continental, with cold and damp winter temperatures and hot and equally humid summers. Most of the rainfall occurs in the autumn, with a peak in October and a minimum in July, with an annual average of 1003 mm.
History
Vigevano has a long history dating back to ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological findings in the municipal territory. In 963, a fortified enclosure was built, which became the epicenter of the fortified settlement of the city. There is no evidence that Vigevano had a Roman settlement, but in the twelfth century, the precarious fortifications were replaced by more solid structures and the settlement began to grow.
Vigevano was contested between Pavia and Milan and was demolished and rebuilt several times. In the sixteenth century, Vigevano became the capital of the Duchy of Milan under the dominion of the Sforza family. In 1491, Ludovico il Moro ordered the construction of the Sforza Castle, which would later become the seat of the International Footwear Museum.
Culture and Tourism
The Sforza Castle hosts a vast collection of objects and documents related to the history of footwear and the industry of Vigevano. The castle is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture and was built on a previous medieval castle. Moreover, the city owns numerous historic churches and buildings of great interest.
For nature-loving tourists, the town is entirely immersed in the Lombard natural park of the Ticino valley, which offers many hiking and cycling opportunities. The Ticino River is also an excellent place to spend time, both for fishing and birdwatching.
Economy
The economy of Vigevano mainly focuses on the footwear industry, which accounts for 80% of the local economy's turnover. In addition to the vast production of shoes, there are also many small and medium-sized enterprises dealing with the production of footwear accessories.
Conclusion
Overall, Vigevano is a city that undoubtedly deserves a visit. Its long history, culture, and economy make this municipality an important center of the region. The production of shoes, accompanied by the Sforza Castle and the natural park, makes it an important place of interest, perfect for tourists interested in history, culture, nature, and fashion.
