Discover Mede: History, Church and Palio

Mede combines a castle, a church, an archaeological and natural history collection, and local festivities. Castello Sangiuliani, the Chiesa di San Marziano, the Ugo Fantelli Collection and the Palio d'la Ciaramèla each offer a different focus.

Castello Sangiuliani and Chiesa di San Marziano

Castello Sangiuliani is the only surviving one of three castles in Mede. Parts of its 14th- and 15th-century walls are still visible in the historic centre. The Castello also includes an elegant loggia from a later period and a crenellated tower. Since the 12th century, Castello Sangiuliani and the adjoining Chiesa dei Santi Marziano e Martino have been one of the economic, political and religious centres of Lomellina. The loggia dates from a later period than the surviving wall sections; the crenellated tower is also part of the complex. The Chiesa dei Santi Marziano e Martino is connected to the Castello as an adjoining religious building.

The Chiesa di San Marziano acquired its present form in 1390. The Chiesa di San Marziano also preserves a 13th-century fresco of San Marziano. The date 1390 refers to the church's present form, while the surviving fresco dates from the 13th century. The two details mark different historical references at the Chiesa di San Marziano.

Collection and local festivities

The Ugo Fantelli archaeological and natural history collection comprises around 1,000 objects. It is divided into a natural history section and an archaeological and ethnographic section. In Mede, the Ugo Fantelli Collection represents natural history as well as archaeological and ethnographic topics, giving it a distinct focus alongside the buildings.

The Palio d'la Ciaramèla takes place on the second Sunday in September. Throughout the town's built-up centre, the festival includes games, processions and reconstructions of historical periods. In the local Lippa game, the ten districts of J'Angial, Marcanton, San Roc, Cruson, Pasquà, San Banardin, Piasa Giaratta, Roca Bianca, Busch and Gab compete against one another. The game is called “ciaramèla” and takes place at the Stadio Comunale. In addition to the competition between the ten districts, the Palio therefore also includes a broader festival area in the town's built-up centre. The reconstructions of historical periods are just as much a part of the festival as the games and processions.

Guidance for planning your trip

Two specific points are relevant for getting your bearings on site: the car park and the entrance to the Chiesa di San Marziano are accessible to wheelchair users, and admission to Castello Sangiuliani is free. The accessibility information refers to the car park and church entrance; the free admission applies to Castello Sangiuliani.

Further places for planning your trip: Montescano, Certosa Di Pavia, Bressana, Cigognola, Santa Giuletta, Voghera, Calvignano and San Zenone Al Po.

To the main travel overview: Pavia.