The History
It was once an important Roman centre, called Laumellum at the time. Its foundation has been ascribed to the Levi family, also founders of the city of Pavia. In Roman times, Laumellum was famous primarily for being on the route leading from Piacenza, through Pavia, to Turin and the Alpine Pass in the Cottian Alps. The Itinerarium Burdigalense ("Bordeaux Itinerary"), also known as the Itinerarium Hierosolymitanum ("Jerusalem Itinerary"), specified that it was a homestead, i.e. a rest station and not just a mutatio (horse changing station). In the Lombard Kingdom, Lomello’s importance grew, as it was situated on the route leading from Pavia, the capital of the Kingdom, to France. In November 590, Queen Teodolinda and Duke Agilulfo of Torino united in marriage and Lomello thus became the seat of the Committee (county). In 1001, its Counts became the Counts Palatine and subsequently also the Counts of Pavia. The city, however, revolted against their authority, forcing the Counts Palatine to barricade in the fortified castle. That is when this little estate acquired a well defined identity called Lomellina. Between 1140 and 1146, Pavia launched the final attack against the Counts Palatine, taking Lomello by storm and forcing them to move and settle in the city. Lomello remained under the direct dominion of Pavia and subsequently of the Visconti family. In 1450, Francesco Sforza conceded Lomello to Antonio Crivelli of Milano. The estate remained property of the Marquis Crivelli until 1797, when feudalism was abolished.
Places of interest
• 15th century Castle
• Basilica of SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE
• Church of SAN MICHELE
• Early Christian Baptistery of SAN GIOVANNI AD FONTES
• Garzaia Cascina Notizia (garzaia” - herons nesting site)
• Garzaia of Villa Biscossi