Picture a journey through time. Right before you stands the Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Lomellina a treasure trove of history nestled within the majestic Castello Sforzesco di Vigevano. This museum isn’t just a collection of artifacts. It’s a portal to the Lomellina region’s rich past.
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Lomellina opened in 1998. Its purpose was to gather the region’s archaeological heritage. Previously these artifacts were scattered in smaller local museums and storage facilities. This museum makes them accessible to a wide audience. The museum resides in the so-called “third stable” of the castle and adjacent rooms. It wasn’t built all at once. It expanded in 2006 and again in 2018.
Imagine walking through its halls. You’ll explore chronological sections spanning millennia. The first room showcases prehistoric and protohistoric finds. Next you’ll see fascinating Roman-era burial goods. These date back to the late 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD. The third room displays objects of daily life. The fourth presents late antique and early medieval artifacts.
But there’s more. The museum houses the Strada Collection. This amazing collection contains over 250 artifacts. They range from prehistoric times to the Renaissance. It’s especially rich in items from the Romanization of Lomellina (2nd-1st century BC). It also has artifacts from the early imperial period (1st-2nd century AD). Antonio Strada an honorary inspector for the area collected these items. Many were discovered during agricultural work. Their condition is excellent. This collection includes common ceramics figurines metal tools and glass.
One exceptional piece is the Cup of Aristeas. This first-century AD glass cup is a rare find. It features ivy and vine decorations. Only five such cups are known. Also note the blue glass pyx and the purple amphora with white feather-like decorations. These highlight the quality of the Strada Collection’s glass.
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Lomellina is more than a museum. It’s a window into a vibrant past. It reveals the lives of warriors farmers and the everyday people of Lomellina. So step inside and let the artifacts tell their stories. Let the past come alive before your eyes.