Today Lomello is a small town with about 2000 inhabitants, but in the Roman age it was the most important settlement of the area: Lomellina is actually named after Lomello.
Already existing during the celtic period (since the 4th Century B.C.), in the Roman Age Lomello was a mansio, that is a post station where travellers could find several facilities while on their way to the Gaul.
In the Early Middle Ages (6th century A.D.) Lomello became a castrum: it was fortified with strong town walls, a part of which is still visible in the façade of the church.
Here in 590 A.D., the Queen Teodinda met (and possibly married) her second husband Agilulfo, future king of the Longobards. From this period the Baptistery has survived, with its original pool and frescoes.
Near the baptistery, the protoromanesque church Santa Maria Maggiore enjoyed in 2025 its tausend anniversary: it is said to be founded in 1025.
Not far from the religious complex, the Castle Crivelli astonishes the visitors for its frescoes dating back to 1559: they represent scenes from everyday life and the stories of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
WHAT YOU’LL SEE DURING THE GUIDED TOUR IN LOMELLO: The early medieval baptistery San Giovanni ad Fontes (6th – 7th century); the proto-Romanesque church Santa Maria Maggiore (11th century); and the Castle Crivelli (on Sundays it is possible to admire the frescoes too).
DURATION: 90 / 120 minutes.
ENTRANCES: The entrance ticket to the church is 3€ per person.
COST OF THE GUIDED TOUR IN ENGLISH: From 170€.
ACCESSIBILITY: The tour is only partially wheelchair-accessible. The presence of stairs hinder the access to the castle and the baptistery, while the church is accessible.
IF YOU WANT TO VISIT MORE A few kilometers from Lomello I highly suggest a visit to a local farm, where rice is cultivated and produced.
CONTACT ME TO GET MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A GUIDED TOUR IN ENGLISH:
serena.scansetti@gmail.com
tel. +39 349 1612279