Art and Architecture

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Lodi

This city was founded on 3^rd August 1158 on the Eghezzone Hill by Frederick I, after the Milanese army destroyed the Roman town Laus Pompeia, today’s Lodi Vecchio.

The heart of the city has always been Piazza della Vittoria, an airy and elegant example of platea major dating back to the early Middle Ages, which remained intact throughout time.

The city of Lodi has also been chosen as the location for the shooting of some TV advertisements and fictions, such as: Vallanzasca, gli angeli del male, with actors such as Kim Rossi Stuart and Filippo Timi; Benvenuti al Nord with Claudio Bisio and Alessandro Siani; and the Sky TV ad to which took part internationally known athletes like swimmer Federica Pellegrini, NBA basketball player Danilo Gallinari and football players Samuel Etò, Andrea Pirlo and Gerard Piquè.

The Cathedral

Piazza della Vittoria – (12^th century)

This Romanesque square is one of the widest in Lombardy. Its building started in 1160 and it was completely restored in between 1958 and 1965. Worthy of mention are the 13^th-century terracotta prothyrum with column-bearing lions placed on the façade of the cathedral, the majestic gateway and two Renaissance windows. The interior is divided into three aisles. In the lateral chapels are found some important frescoes, some of which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In the cathedral’s crypt are kept the mortal remains of Saint Bassiano. From the cathedral it is possible to access the Sacred Art Museum.

Opening times: from 7.30 am to 12 pm and from 3.30 pm to 7 pm.

Weekday masses times: 8.30 am – 10 am – 5.30 pm - 6 pm – 7 pm (these times do not apply on Saturdays)

Sunday and holidays masses times: 8 am - 9.30 am – 11 am – 6 pm - 8.30 pm

The “Incoronata” Sanctuary

Via Incoronata (15^th century)

This sanctuary, built in 1488 following a project by Giovanni Battagio, is without a doubt one of the masterpieces of the Lombard Renaissance. The central-plan temple has the appearance of an octagonal tambour on the outside,  around which there is a balustrade with small columns and pinnacles. Inside the church, there is a women’s gallery with small arches, supported by blue and golden small columns.  The umbrella dome is illuminated by the light coming from the round windows. Since 1514, the temple became a real art shop: it was frescoed by the Piazza family, to whom the town of Lodi dedicated an exhibition in 1989. Worthy of mention are four paintings by Ambrogio da Fossano, also known as the Bergognone.

Opening times: from 9 am to 12 pm and from 3.30 pm to 6 pm

Weekday, Sunday and holidays masses: 11.30 am (tourists have to leave the temple ten minutes before the starting of the mass)

For reservations call GIONA srl – Phone: +39 0371.51083

Saint Mary Magdalene’s Church

Via del Tempio (18^th century)

This Baroque church is placed near the bridge on the river Adda. It was built during the first half of the 18^th century, with the only exception of the façade. This church is characterized by the presence of a single aisle. Worthy of mention is the miracle Crucifix of the 15^th -16^th century.

Saint Francis’ Church

Piazza Ospitale (14^th century)

This Romanesque-Gothic church was built in the decade between 1280 and 1290. Its façade does not have the gable end of the sloped roof. In the central part of it there are a prothyrum and a marble rose window. In the lateral parts there are an high single lancet and a double, “in full sky” lancet windows. The interior of the church is structured following a Latin cross plan and is divided into three aisles with groin vaults. Here is kept a series of paintings of lodigiani artists who worked from the 14^th century onwards.

Opening times: from Monday to Saturday, from 6.30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm; on Sundays from 7 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Weekday masses times: 6.45 am – 7.30 am – 9.30 am – 6 pm  (from September to June); 7 am -9.30 am – 6 pm (July and August)

Sunday and holidays masses times: 7.30 am – 9 am – 10.30 am – 6 pm (from September to June); 7.30 am -10.30 am -6 pm (July and August).

Saint Lawrence’s Church

Piazza San Lorenzo (12^th century)

It is a Romanesque-Lombard church, though it has been revised later. The façade is embellished by terracotta decorations and by a gateway over which there is a rose window. Inside the church, which is divided into three aisles and is supported by squat pylons made of bricks, it is possible to look at some frescoes, in particular quite remarkable are some by Francesco Soncino and Callisto Piazza.

Opening times: from Monday to Saturday from 7.30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm

Weekday masses times: 8.30 am – 6 pm

Sunday and holidays masses times: 8.30 am – 11.30 am – 6 pm

Saint Philip’s Church

Corso Umberto (17^th-18^th century)

This church is a beautiful example of late-Baroque architecture, whose lines bring out its ascending structure; the bell tower was left incomplete. Inside the church, some frescoes dating back to the 17^th and 18^th century can be admired. To the complex also belong the Civic Museum of 1869 and the Laudense Town Library , which was built by the Filippini and was turned into a public one in 1792.

Opening times: from 9 am to 12 pm (and to 1 pm on Sundays)

Sunday masses times: 12 pm

Saint Agnes Church

Via Marsala (14^th century)

The church has a façade with an upturned pediment and is divided into three parts by some semi-columns made of bricks. The gateway is embellished by majolica tiles. Inside the church, there are three aisles with groin vaults and worthy of mention is a large polyptich by Alberto Piazza, which is placed on the first altar on the left.

Opening times: from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 3.30 pm to 6 pm

Sunday masses times: 10:30 am

Former Church of Saint Christopher

Via Fanfulla (12^th-14^th century)

The church of Saint Christopher has a plan made of a single aisle: three lateral chapels can be found on each side of the church and the choir ends with a semi-circular apse. At the point where the transet crosses the choir, there is a wide dome over a high tambour with windows, while the aisle is covered by barrel vaults. The former Church is now used to host cultural events.

 

Churches in the Lodigiano territory

Saint Bassiano’s Basilica

Lodi Vecchio (4^th century)

This Romanesque church is placed in a very suggestive area; it has a beautiful terracotta façade characterized by “open-pit” double lancet windows. Inside, some beautiful frescoes and low reliefs dating back to the first half of the 14^th century can be admired.

The church is usually open from 3 pm to 4.30 pm. It is advisable to forewarn by calling on +39 0371.752900

Saint Peter and Paul Abbey

Abbadia Cerreto (12^th century)

This late-Romantic church was built by the Cistercian monks on a preceding foundation of 1084. The interior is divided into three aisles and here is found a beautiful painting by Callisto Piazza and other works dating back to the 17^th and 18^th century.

Opening times: in winter, on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30 am to 6 pm; in summer, everyday from 2 pm to 6 pm. It is possible to visit the church during the morning by previous reservation calling on +39 329.1818649

Collegiate Church of Saint Biagio

Codogno (16^th century)

This church was built during the Renaissance, but it already shows some early Baroque influences. Inside can be seen an altar piece by Callisto Piazza and some paintings by Morazzone and Daniele Crespi.

Opening times: from 7 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 6.30 pm

Weekday masses times: 9 am – 6 pm

Sunday and holidays masses times: 7 am – 8.30 am – 10 am – 11.15 am – 6 pm

Groups booking: call on +39 0377. 32434

Sanctuary of the Madonna of Caravaggio

Codogno

This is the main 18^th-century church of the area and it is particularly loved by people living there because of the fact that its foundation took place after some events which are thought to be miraculous.

Olivetan Abbey of Saint Michael and Niccolò

Villanova del Sillaro

(16^th century)

This Lombard-gothic church is quite small and only has one aisle. In one of the chapels the “White Madonna” is on display: it is a beautiful statue of Our Lady of the Annunciation and it is the object of worship and devotion.

Saint Antony and Saint Frances Cabrini’s Church

Sant’Angelo Lodigiano

This Cabrini basilica – the first sanctuary in the world dedicated to this Saint – recalls the style of the Bramante of the Renaissance. Its building is quite recent: it dates back to the Thirties and it is dedicated to the Patron of the Barasina Community (i.e., the community of Sant’Angelo Lodigiano), the abbot Saint Antonio, too.

Opening times: from 7 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm

Weekday masses times: 7.30 am- 10 am- 6 pm

Sunday and holidays masses times: 7.30 am – 8.45 am – 10 am- 11.15 am – 6 pm

 

The Gerolomini’s Abbey

Ospedaletto Lodigiano

(16^th century)

This Church, which was built after the abbey dedicated to Saint Peter and Paul, has a quite simple façade. The interior consists of a single wide aisle and here are kept some among the best works by Giampietrino.

The church can be visited only by previous reservation calling on +39 0377.86622.

 

Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Fountain

Camairago

This is one of the most ancient sanctuaries of our territory, since its existence is already attested in 1261. It is made of two 17^th-century buildings, one of which raises over a spring water source that is believed to be miraculous.

 

Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Capuchins

Casalpusterlengo

The Sanctuary of Mary the Mother of the Saviour is also called “Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Capuchins”, since it was managed by the minor Capuchin friars who live in the convent next to the church.  Its building dates back to the end of the 16^th century and it is linked to some episodes about miraculous visions. Worthy of mention are the 15^th-century simulacrum of the “Madonna of the Capuchins” and a painting of the Ascension by Giambattista Trotti, also known as “the Malosso”.

Opening times: from 6 am to 12 pm and from 2.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Weekday masses times: 7 am – 9 am – 5 pm

Sunday and holidays masses times: 7 am – 9 am – 10 am – 11.15 am – 5.30 pm

 

Saint Bartholomew and Martin’s Church

Casalpusterlengo

This parish church, which dates back to the 16^th century, has a façade which was restored during the last century. On the altar is placed a large altar piece depicting the Madonna of the Rosary by Panfilo Nuvoloni.

 

PALACES, VILLAS AND CASTLES

 

Town of Lodi

Barni Palace (17^th century)

Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 17

In 1678, Antonio Barni ordered to the lodigiano architect Domenico Sartorio the restoring of an old manor belonging to the Vistarini family, placed in the current Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Its mighty Baroque structure is refined by pilasters that symmetrically divide the façade. The Palace still has its original structure: at the centre dominates a gateway overcome by a wrought iron balcony.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Vistarini Palace (14^th century)

Piazza della Vittoria

The Vistarini family was amongst the most important ones of our territory and had for a long time a very important role in all the decisions concerning the future of the town. The façade of the Palace is made of bricks and is refined by some single lancet windows; the arcade beneath is characterized by arches.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Bishop Palace (12^th-17^th century)

Entrance from Piazza Mercato or Via Cavour

It was built together with the Cathedral and it was subject to various restoring interventions.

Particularly beautiful is the 17^th-century courtyard, which is surrounded by coupled columns.

 

Sommariva Palace (12^th century)

Corso Roma

The Sommariva family is part of the story of the town of Lodi. The palace recently went through some restoration works. It has a mighty structure and still has its original gateway, overcome by a wonderful wrought iron balcony. The symmetry of the windows of the lower and upper floors make the façade look quite refined and also contributes to give to the palace a noble and light appearance.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Mozzanica Palace (15^th century)

At the corner between Via XX Settembre and Via Volturno

The terracotta façade is horizontally divided by an earthenware band. The 15^th-century gateway is made of stone and is decorated with candlestick columns adorned with flowers and garlands.

 

Modegnani Palace (18^th century)

Via XX Settembre, on the corner with Corso Roma

During the first years of the 18^th century, Giovan Battista Modegnani ordered the building of a palace to the brothers Michele and Piergiacomo Sartorio. The building was finished by 1726.  It is a mighty Baroque palace and has no gateway. The large courtyard, which is adorned with doubled columns typical of the late Baroque period, is protected by a beautiful wrought iron gate.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Galeano Palace (17^th century)

Corso Umberto

The palace was built around 1600 and underwent some remarkable restoration works at the beginning of the 18^th century. Its Baroque façade has framed windows and almost grotesque-looking gargoyles and its entrance gateway is overcome by a valuable wrought iron balcony.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Cultural buildings in the Lodigiano

 

Morando Bolognini Castle

Sant’Angelo Lodigiano

This mighty medieval castle was given by Bernabò Visconti to his wife Regina della Scala (1379), who had the Mastra Tower built. Later, it was inherited by Francesco Sforza. who gave it to the Bolognini Attendolo family. After some assaults and plunders by the French and the Spanish, the fortification underwent several modifications and the castle became a military defense centre and an establishment for the manufacturing of silk until it was inherited by count Gian Giacomo Morando (1865), who restored it. In 1933, the castle was given to the Institute for Cereal Growing in Rome in order to turn it into a museum.

Currently, it hosts the Bread Musem, the Agriculture History Museum and an Historical Museum rich in furniture, suits of armour, paintings and archaeological finds.

 

Rho Palace

Borghetto Lodigiano

In the 15^th century, the Rho family had built, on an area where there used to be an ancient castle, this mighty late-Gothic Palace, which was placed strategically in order to defend the pass on the river Sillaro. It has earthenware decorations and nowadays it is the base of the Town Council. Its attic was restored.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Borromeo Castle

Camairago

This ancient military building has an entrance tower and a wide courtyard. It dates back to the end of the 15^th century. Currently, it is a private property.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Pallavicini Serbelloni Castle

Castiglione d’Adda

This castle was wished for by Matteo Visconti at the end of the 13^th century and was the scene of some disputes between Milan and Venice. The fortification became property of the Serbelloni family at the end of the 16^th century.

 

Fombio’s Castle

Fombio

This castle was built by Alberto Scotti at the beginning of the 14^th century in a dominant position on the river lowland and it was modified throughout the centuries until the castle was given to the Douglas Scotti family.

 

Maccastorna’s Fortress

Maccastorna

This fortress has crenellated towers, a ditch and a lift bridge. It was a property of the Bevilacqua family from 1385 to the beginning of the 19^th century and it is well known because of some creepy legends about frequent bloodsheds.

The palace can only be observed from the outside.

 

Biandrà Trecchi Castle

Maleo

This palace is attributed to Pellegrino Tibaldi and is characterized by a wide staircase facing the English-style park, by an inner courtyard and by a private chapel.

 

Cavazzi Castle

Somaglia

This castle was built by Bernabò Visconti and was turned into an exclusive residence by the counts Cavazzi during the 17^th century. Nowadays it belongs to the Town Council and is very well-preserved.

 

 

Lampugnani Palace

Casalpusterlengo

This Palace was built at the end of the 17^th century by the feudal lord Nicolò Lampugnani.

 

Biancardi Villa

Zorlesco , hamlet of Casalpusterlengo

Serafino Biancardi  had Villa Biancardi built on an area previously occupied by a castle and this is the reason why this building is also known as “the castle of Zorlesco”.

 

Former  “Soave” Hospital

Codogno

The former civil hospital was built by architect Soave, who chose to adopt a sober and elegant neoclassical style, between 1779 and 1781 and it used to be a charitable and medical centre. Nowadays, it is not used anymore for its original purpose, but is instead a venue for exhibitions and cultural and artistic events.

 

Litta Villa

Orio Litta

It was the Cavazzi of the Somaglia family who had this magnificent villa built in the 18^th century. The U-shaped plan includes the main courtyard, while on the back side of the building there is a series of terraces degrading towards the river Po. Inside stuccoes and frescoes representing mythological subjects can be admired.

 

 

Pertusati Palace

Comazzo

It was Cristoforo Pertusati who had this palace built in 1747. It has an Italian-style garden and water games. Nowadays, it is the base of the Town Council.

 

Calderari Palace

Turano Lodigiano

It is a magnificent palace, which used to be a castle and was later turned into a patrician villa by the village’s feudatories.

 

Stanga Palace

Castelnuovo Bocca d’Adda

This palace belonged to the Stanga family, who ruled over the village at the end of the 15^th century.

Here, the antipope John XXIII met the emperor Sigismund (1414).

 

Trivulzio Palace

Codogno

It was built by the Trivulzio family during the last years of the 15^th century. It was then modernized during the 17^th century.