Sannazzaro de' Burgondi: Rice Fields, Culture and Local Festivals

Rice fields, the Po floodplain, ornate religious buildings and lively festivals give Sannazzaro de' Burgondi a diverse character. Rice fields and the river landscape stand alongside churches, regional cuisine and local festivals.

Rice Fields and River Landscape around Sannazzaro de' Burgondi

The municipal area of Sannazzaro de' Burgondi is characterised by rice fields. The town lies on a floodplain terrace formed by the Po, giving the landscape a clearly recognisable connection between agriculture and the river environment. A short path leads through dense vegetation to an area overlooking the Parchetto dell'Agognetta wetland.

The Lanca di Balossa features natural willow stands and abundant fish stocks. Grande Isola below the railway bridge is designated as a location for nature and wildlife photography. The Sannazzaro-Scaldasole cycle path connects Sannazzaro de' Burgondi and Scaldasole and is more than one kilometre long.

Art and History in Churches and Palazzi

The parish church Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Nazzaro e Celso dates from the 15th or 16th century and was remodelled in the Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside are two 15th-century gilded wooden statues depicting the patron saints. Construction of the Santuario Madonna della Fontana began in 1710 and was completed in 1786. The single-nave sanctuary features four 18th-century altarpieces and vivid fresco decoration. The Chiesa Santi Bernardino e Rocco also houses a Lingiardi organ.

Palazzo Pollone is a Baroque palazzo-giardino in Sannazzaro de' Burgondi. Its forms are inspired by Piedmontese Barocchetto; the reception hall contains murals by the Piedmontese painter Vittorio Cavalleri. In Sannazzaro de' Burgondi, Palazzo Malaspina is popularly known as the “castello”. Its current appearance probably dates from a renovation carried out in the final decades of the 18th century by Marchese Luigi.

Il Portone is a monumental archway erected at the entrance to the town in 1724 and known by the popular name “Il Portone”. In 1724, it was connected to a magnificent tree-lined avenue.

Regional Cuisine and Distinctive Festivals

A local speciality is Risotto alla Sannazzarese. It includes at least two basic ingredients: Pasta di salame d'oca, a paste made from goose salami, and the typical Burgundella cheese. The Sagra del Riso is a recurring festival with its 45th edition taking place in 2026. It includes a market and exhibition showcasing agricultural mechanisation and grain products, a food exhibition, and the “Chicco d'oro” competition.

At the Sagra del Riso, risottos with saffron, porcini mushrooms, Champagne, pumpkin and sausage meat are served. Carnevale Burgundo takes place on the last Sunday of the carnival season. The Burgundo is a traditional folk mask that still brings the local carnival to life today.

Library, Museum and Other Points of Interest

Palazzo Fugazza houses a library, a museum and the Croce d'Oro. The museum is accessed through the courtyard and a reinforced-concrete spiral staircase; the library is reached via a straight flight of stairs with stone steps. The Biblioteca Civica Carlo Tacconi is housed in the listed Palazzo Fugazza and is a basic library. It provides rooms for consultation and study.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

Torre Beretti, Salice Terme, Santa Margherita, San Zenone Al Po, Sant'alessio Con Vialone, Val di Nizza, Arena Po and Borgo Priolo

For the higher-level travel overview: Pavia.