“Imagine,” said a local historian, his eyes twinkling, “Villanterio wasn’t always the quiet comune we see today.”
Villanterio, a municipality in the Province of Pavia, beckons with tales from Roman times to noble families. It sits 30 km southeast of Milan and about 15 km east of Pavia. The village gained strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
For centuries, noble families dominated Villanterio including the Visconti and Sforza. Their influence has left its mark. Traces of Villanterio’s past linger in its historic buildings. Among these, the Castle of Villanterio stands out. Once a defensive fortress, it is now a private residence.
Another significant landmark is Palazzo Rizzi. Giovanni Angelo Rizzi built it between 1540 and 1547. Rizzi was the chamber secretary of Duke Francesco II Sforza of Milan. He also served as chancellor of the Milanese secret council. In 1538, Rizzi acquired feudal jurisdiction of Villanterio from Emperor Charles V’s imperial chamber.
At that time, the old castle was divided among noble families. Rizzi bought all the small portions of the castle from these various nobles. Palazzo Rizzi’s main floor was divided into a large hall and five consecutive rooms. All the rooms were adorned with lunette vaults and frescoes. These frescoes also extended along the walls. This created an extraordinary pictorial cycle.
However, the Rizzi family eventually left the palace. Count Galeazzo Attendolo Bolognini inherited it in 1667. From that moment, Palazzo Rizzi began to decline. It was downgraded to a residence for tenant farmers.
The Municipality of Villanterio purchased the palace from the Bolognini family in 1876. They used it as an elementary school and municipal offices. It also provided accommodation for the town clerk. This marked a new chapter in the palace’s history, preserving it for future generations.
Villanterio is located in the eastern Basso Pavese. It spans both banks of the southern Lambro river. It borders the province of Lodi. Villanterio borders Gerenzago, Inverno e Monteleone, Magherno, Marudo, Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Torre d’Arese, and Valera Fratta.
Today, Villanterio offers a glimpse into Lombardy’s rich past. Its historic buildings and strategic location provide a unique narrative. A narrative that connects Roman times to the present day.