Vigevano I d e a l T o w n

Città di Vigevano
V e r s o E x p o 2 0 1 5
Vigevano
I d e a l T o w n

Città di Vigevano
V e r s o E x p o 2 0 1 5
Vigevano
Ideal Town
With patronage of:

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Leonardo da Vinci
and the “Ideal Town”
[This day 2 February 1494 at the Sforzesca I drew
25 steps of 2/3 of an arm each, 8 arms wide]
(Leonardo da Vinci - Manuscript H, sheet 65 v.)
“Adì 2 di febraio 1494 alla Sforzesca ritrassi scalini 25
di 2/3 di braccio l’uno largo braccia 8”
(Leonardo da Vinci - Manoscritto H, foglio 65 v.)
Leonardo da Vinci’s time in Vigevano is documented by
the town’s significant cultural heritage, origins of which
can be traced back to the Sforzesca era.
A figure immediately evoking the happy combination of
technology and art, Leonardo worked as an engineer for
the Duke, Ludovico Sforza, known as “Il Moro”, for over
twenty years. The Castle and Piazza Ducale clearly evoke
the great master’s designs for the “Ideal Town”, as does
the Sforzesca, with its network of canals, mills and the
Colombarone, the first example of a Lombard farm.

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Piazza Ducale
Built between 1492 and 1494 at the wishes of Ludovico
il Moro, Piazza Ducale was one of the first models of a
Renaissance square and is one of the best examples of
XV century Lombard architecture. Donato Bramante was
undoubtedly present among those architects involved in
the work at the Milan nobles’ court.
The Piazza was built to add lustre to the town as the
preferred residence of the Duke. The antechamber
to the entrance of the imposing Visconti-Sforza castle,
it originally had a flight of stone steps permitting the
triumphal entrance of the Dukes to the Castle residence.
The pulsing hub of the town, it is surrounded by
porticoes and arcades supported by 84 columns with
capitals in different styles, and owes its present form to
the Bishop Architect Juan Caramuel y Lobkowitz who
built the baroque facade of the Cathedral in 1680.

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Sant’Ambrogio Cathedral
Cattedrale di Sant’Ambrogio
The building of the Cathedral dedicated to
Sant’Ambrogio, Bishop of Milan, was started
by the Duke Francesco II Sforza in 1532
to a design by Antonio da Lonate and
completed in 1606.
The Baroque facade - designed by Bishop Juan
Caramuel y Lobkowitz-was juxtaposed to
remedy the asymmetry of the square in front.
Inside are important works of art among which
valuable paintings by Macrino d’Alba and
Bernardino Ferrari.
Adjacent to the Cathedral of Sant’Ambrogio
is the Museo del Tesoro del Duomo which
contains, as well as precious corals and
miniature codices by Ferrante Decio, an
extremely valuable reliquary in gold-plated
silver by the Lombard school, Flemish
tapestries and a sixteenth century
wall-hanging used in Monza for the
coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte.

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The Dukes‘ Architecture
Le architetture del Duca
The group of monuments composed of the Piazza Ducale and
Visconteo-Sforzesco Castle as seen today, is the result of construction
works which lasted over two centuries during the reigns of the
Visconti and Sforza in Milan. This was the period during which
Vigevano reached its maximum splendour, becoming the ducal
residence and an important commercial centre.
The town developed in a spiral around the castle which is one
of the biggest fortified structures in Europe: the buildings composing
it covering over 70,000 square metres.

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The Duke’s Palace
Palazzo Ducale
Up until the mid 1300s the Maschio (Keep)
– corresponding to the ancient “castrum” and
probably of Lombard origin - was used for the
defence of the residents and as a safe refuge for
the inhabitants of the hamlet and suburbs.
Its transformation into the Duke’s Palace began in
1345 and it was mainly Ludovico il Moro with the
guidance of Donato Bramante who gave it the
appearance of a renaissance palace.
Lombard artists and artisans worked to adorn the
great halls with frescoes and magnificent furnishings
for the duke’s court, illustrious figures and sovereigns.
Some of the frescoes, dating to the second half
of the XV century, are still visible today; the Sala
dell’Affresco is particularly important and depicts
a hunting scene, the favourite pastime of the Dukes
of Milan.

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Bramante Tower
Torre del Bramante
This is the symbol of Vigevano inasmuch as
standing at the highest point of the town.
It was built in various stages starting in 1198 and
was made a vantage point at the wishes of
Ludovico il Moro and his wife Beatrice d’Este in
1492 - 1494, becoming the official entrance to the
castle. Its unusual outline was used as the model
for the reconstruction of the Filerete Tower in the
Sforzesco castle in Milan in the XIX century: composed
of gradually smaller sections, from its battlements it
offers a complete panorama over the Piazza, Castle
and entire town. The bronze dome was added in 1563
in place of the original conical spire.

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Falconry | Falconiera
This is the elegant overhead loggia from which the art of
falconry was practised during the time of the dukes of Milan.
Recently restored, it is attributed to Donato Bramante and has
round arches supported by slim granite columns with capitals
similar to those of the ducal stables. Frescoes with decorative
motifs of the renaissance period have been rediscovered on
the colonnades.
The Ladies’ Loggia | Loggia delle Dame
This was built beside the Palazzo Ducale around 1490 by Donato
Bramante upon appointment by Ludovico il Moro and originally
overlooked a hanging garden known as the “Duchess’ garden” below
which the castle cellars were situated.
The Loggia bears the typical features of Bramante’s designs with seven
round arches in white marble resting on columns with elegant capitals
in dark stone and floral motifs. This was the “ladies” part of the Castle,
where Beatrice d’Este and her ladies in waiting resided.

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Stables | Scuderie
Three long stables divide the Castle area from the
town. Imposing buildings, one of which - built at the
orders of Ludovico il Moro – recalls Leonardo da Vinci’s
designs for his “model stable” in the Paris Codex B and
the Trivulziano Codex.
One of the stables is the permanent home of the
Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Lomellina,
while the other two are used for temporary exhibitions.

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Covered Road and Vaults
Strada coperta e Sotterranee
The “Covered Road” or “Upper level” is a unique feature
throughout European castle architecture and was built to the
orders of Luchino Visconti starting in 1340. Its construction as
a fortified bridge served a specific purpose: that of protecting
the passage of the Milanese nobles and joining the Castle to
the Old Fort by a safe route.
The raised section of the Road thus provided room for the areas
at town level known as the “Vaults” or “Lower level”.
The Vaults blend in with the architecture of the Duke’s Palace
and are used for temporary exhibitions. From this level it’s
possible to admire the imposing foundations of the Duke’s Palace.

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Cavallerizza
A majestic building with a interesting structure made of
wooden trusses, it was built in 1837 on the area where
the destroyed Old Fort once stood. Initially designed as
an indoor riding stables, it was subsequently refurbished:
the area of over 1500 square metres is used for events,
shows, exhibitions, conferences and initiatives of various
kinds and also includes a garden communicating with
the Covered Road and the Vaults of the Castle.

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Shoe Museum
Museo della Calzatura
The ‘’Pietro Bertolini” Shoe Museum in Vigevano is the only public museum in Italy dedicated
to the history and evolution of shoes. Situated in the suggestive, fifteenth-century setting of the
Sforzesco Castle, the museum sets out to express, through its narration of the shoe, both the
history and economy of Vigevano and the international evolution of the shoe as a design and
fashion object. The museum is divided into 4 sections: historic, ethnic, modern and interesting facts.
Vigevano is famous throughout the world for its shoe-making tradition, an ancient trade
documented in the Borough Statute dating back to 1392.

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Picture Gallery | Pinacoteca
Above the stables of Ludovico il Moro is the seat of the
Civic Picture Gallery “Casimiro Ottone” containing the most
important works of Lomellina artists. The gallery has 10
identical rooms containing various works, among which
portions of the original frescoes of Piazza Ducale dating to
the XV-XVI century and a valuable work of art by the Lombard
artist Bernardino Ferrari, dating to 1515.

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Cagnoni Civic Theatre | Civico Teatro Cagnoni
In Vigevano live performances go on stage at the Cagnoni Civic Theatre.
Music, drama, opera and operetta, comedies and charity shows.
For 140 years generations of actors and spectators have succeeded each
other to act, sing and experience unforgettable emotions.
The Theatre seats 602 spectators divided among the stalls, three levels of
boxes and the central gallery. The Theatre foyer is used for meetings and
ceremonies and seats up to 70.

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San Dionigi
Church
Chiesa di San Dionigi
The first document to contain a mention of the Church of
San Dionigi dates back to 1323: originally situated near
the Castle Keep, it was built as public oratory for use by the
Confraternita della Misericordia. The building, which was
extended in the XVI century, consisted of a rectangular room,
rotated by 90° compared to its current layout. Further works
were begun in 1750.
Inside are two important works of art: a polychrome wooden
group composed of eight statues portraying the deposition
in the tomb - attributed to the XV century Piedmontese or
Lombard workshop - and a painting by Cerano showing
the martyrdom of Saint Denis.
Since 2011 the Church of San Dionigi has become the
Auditorium della Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano,
where concerts, cultural events and conferences are held,
and may be visited free of charge at weekends.

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Merula Palace
Built in the 1600s this Baroque gem in the heart of the town which was
formerly an ancient convent and male orphanage is now the seat of the
Town’s Historic Archive and contains ancient documents, parchments,
incunabula and XVI century books.
Palazzo Merula is also home to the Museo dell’Imprenditoria of Vigevano.

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The mills | I mulini
During his time at the service of the Duke of Milan Leonardo da Vinci planned
reclamation works of most of the Vigevano area, drawing and studying the various
mills already existing at the time. Among those remaining is the Mora Bassa
Windmill, given by Ludovico il Moro to his wife Beatrice d’Este as a wedding
present in 1494.
Fitted with two large water wheels it is now the permanent home of Leonardo’s
machines and includes functioning wooden models of his designs.

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Colombarone della Sforzesca
The Colombarone was the archetype model of a working
farm in the Lombard area. The complex has the typical
layout of a castle with four buildings along the sides and
four towers at the corners called the “colombaroni”,
around a practically square, central courtyard.
The towers are decorated with pointed arched windows and
sawtooth friezes. Built from 1486 onwards it later became
the example for agricultural organisation in the Po valley
area. It is situated in the Sforzesca village of Vigevano near
the Ticino park, a place where Leonardo da Vinci also
resided, helping to improve the land with waterworks
designs for a better irrigation of the fields. The Leicester
Code contains drawings showing the “molino della Scala”,
a stepped construction of flowing water, still present today.

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Our territory
Il nostro territorio
Vigevano is the most important town in the Lomellina, the historic
and geographic region of the Po valley comprising the Sesia, Po,
Ticino and bordering with the southern part of Novara. A land of
rice fields, water works and castles it has many features to boast
about; above all that of being an uncontaminated plain studded
with a great artistic, fauna and naturalistic heritage.
This area is interesting to visit at any time of year; the colours of
the countryside, the deeply-rooted traditions, the many historic
re-enactments and gastronomic excellences make it a unique and
fascinating place.
With its 60,000 inhabitants, Vigevano has the great advantage of
being a “people-friendly” town: near Milan - just 35 km away -
but far away from the hectic city pace.

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Rice fields | Le risaie
In Europe the first mention of rice farming refers precisely to this area,
to the village of Villanova situated just a few kilometres from Vigevano.
Today Vigevano is inside the rice triangle with the provinces of Pavia,
Novara and Vercelli together forming the biggest rice producing area
in Europe.
“Rice” is in fact the name of an important event entirely dedicated to
rice, held in Vigevano castle at harvesting time in September. Its main
purpose is to identify through this excellent product not just the territory
but also the ancient skills, traditions, farming and production methods
entwined with the areas where the rice is grown.

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The Ticino Park | Parco del Ticino
Vigevano is in the area of the Ticino park, a river reserve which
is one of the M.A.B. Man and Biosphere natural areas recognised
by UNESCO as one of the most important natural reserves in the
world. The woods located in the Vigevano area are among those
most important in terms of biodiversity.
Boats and canoes can be used to sail along the Ticino river and
the paths through the Park joining Vigevano to Pavia offer
a natural trail of outstanding interest.

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Typical products | Prodotti tipici
I G
. V
V A N O
.
De.C.O.
Vigevano’s gastronomic products consist of traditional
Lombard dishes and a number of De.C.O.,
Denominazione Comunale d’Origine products, such
as “Figadej” namely a cold cut made from pig liver,
the “Cent Franc” biscuit and “La Viginuna” tart.
The Dolce Riso del Moro made according to an
ancient recipe of the Sforza era can also be counted
among the rice-based delicacies.
The many restaurants and trattorias scattered
throughout the town centre and surrounding
countryside offer a chance to savour local dishes,
with menus specially designed to celebrate the
gastronomic wealth of the area.

L o c a t i o n s
merula Palace
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Cavallerizza
The places presented in the previous pages, of inestimable value in
terms of history and beauty are the ideal location for holding various
types of event. Over the years important exhibitions, conventions,
gala dinners, events etc. have been held within the walls of the
monumental complex of the Sforzesco Castle, but also in the grand
Covered road
locations nearby, organised by private operators or by Municipal
institutions.
Stables
Castle court
E X H I B I T I O N S - C O N V E N T I O N S - M U S I C A L E V E N T S - S H O W S - G A L A D I N N E R S

C.SO VITTORIO
M a p o f p l a c e s o f i n t e r e s t
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VIA MORA
BASSA
12
CORSO CAVOUR
VIA
VIA DE AMICIS
In this pamphlet we have mentioned
the most important places of
historic interest in the Town of Vigevano:
here is a simplified map showing where
they are located.
1
2
3
4
D
D
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
BRAMANTE TOWER | Torre del Bramante
PIAZZA DUCALE
SANT’ AMBROGIO CATHEDRAL | Cattedrale di Sant’ Ambrogio
SFORZESCO CASTLE | Castello Sforzesco
D
B
A
C
COVERED ROAD | Strada Coperta
CIVIC MUSEUM | Musei civici
CAVALLERIZZA
CAGNONI CIVIC THEATRE | Civico Teatro Cagnoni
MERULA PALACE
SAN DIONIGI CHURCH | Chiesa di San Dionigi
COLOMBARONE DELLA SFORZESCA
THE MILLS | Mulini
A Duke's Palace | Palazzo Ducale
B Falconry | Falconiera
C The ladies' loggia | Loggia delle Dame
D Stables and Museum | Scuderie e Musei
CORSO GARIBALDI
CORSO GENOVA
CORSO GARIBALDI
VIA DIAZ
VIA GIRONA
VIA BOLDRINI
VIA DANTE
CORSO DELLA REPUBBLICA
VIA DEI MULINI
VIA CAVALLOTTI
VIA RONCALLI
6
VIA CARROBBIO
VIA DELLA COSTA
VIA CESAREA
VIA DEL POPOLO
VIA SILVA
9
VIA MERULA
10
VIA SANTACROCE
1 2
3
4
5
VIA RIBERIA
VIA DEL CARMINE
VIA RIBERIA
EMANUELE
VIA SAPORITI
VIA PERSANI
VIA CAIROLI
VIA DEL CARMINE
8
CORSO PAVIA
NAV.
VIA ROMA
7
SFORZESCO
VIA ROCCA VECCHIA
VIA CAIROLI
VIA DECEMBRIO
VIA L.IL MORO
VIA CARDUCCI
VIA XXVI APRILE
VIA BUOZZI
VIA MARCONI
VIA MARAZZANI
VIALE MAZZINI
RAILWAY STATION
VIA L. DA VINCI
PAVIA DIRECTION
SFORZESCA
11

H o w t o g e t t o V i g e v a n o
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Vigevano is located in a strategic position, practically equidistant from Milano (35 km), Novara (27 km)
and Pavia (37 km).
From Milan by car:
take the Tangenziale Ovest and SP ex SS 494 towards
Abbiategrasso; or take the motorway Milano – Genova,
Gropello Cairoli exit.
From Milan by train:
from Milano P.ta Genova (MM2) or Milano San Cristoforo
(MM2) take a train going towards Mortara – Alessandria.
From Milan Linate airport:
- by car: follow the signs for Bologna / Tangenziale
Ovest - come off at Vigevano-Lorenteggio, follow the
signs for Vigevano.
From Milan Malpensa airport:
- by car: take the dual carriageway SS336 towards
Magenta; then follow the signs for Abbiategrasso
and Vigevano. Continued through Robecco sul Naviglio
and Abbiategrasso to Vigevano.
From Milan airports to Milan city centre:
Milan airports are connected by train and shuttle to
the centre of Milan. From there take the tube train M2
to the railway station of Porta Genova.
Private operators in Vigevano:
A number of private operators have organised a
“tailor made” service for their guests among which
direct transport from Vigevano to Expo 2015 and back.
See the website below for further information:
“Vigevano verso Expo 2015”
www.comune.vigevano.pv.it
A26
NOVARA
VIGEVANO
FS MI-AL
MALPENSA
Abbiategrasso
Mortara
A4 MI-TO
Magenta
FS MI-AL
A7 MI-GE
MILANO
PAVIA
LINATE
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Information
For further information regarding the locations and how to rent the premises, write to:
Gian Paolo Degli Agosti gdegliagosti@comune.vigevano.pv.it
Grazia Guglielmo gguglielmo@comune.vigevano.pv.it
For further tourist information contact:
iat@comune.vigevano.pv.it | tel. 0381690269
gognibene@comune.vigevano.pv.it | tel. 0381691636
website: www.comune.vigevano.pv.it
Vigevano
Ideal Town
Publisher: © Comune di Vigevano
Graphic designer: Roberta Dondè
Printer: Logos Media s.r.l. - Garlasco (Pv)
December 2013
For use of the pictures thanks to:
D. Bassanini, V. Cantone, G. P. Degli Agosti,
S. Facoetti, Studio Fassini, G. Gnemmi,
J. Lattari, V. Li Vigni, M. Russo, F. Sacchiero,
C. Vassalli.

Città di Vigevano
V e r s o E x p o 2 0 1 5
Vigevano
Ideal Town
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