Pieve di Velezzo Lomellina

The Pieve of Santa Maria in Velezzo consists of an intriguing collection of low farmhouses surrounding a small church, a bell tower, and a historic baptistery. The origin of the complex is not known: according to some studies, it should date back to the late 9th century or the early 10th century, built over ancient foundations that could even date to the period of decline of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.

The first historical records date back to 1259, when the Pieve had already lost its independence and was under the Church of Lomello, from which it took its name Santa Maria Minore. Later, there are records from 1323 and 1460, when the vicar of the bishop of Pavia visited Velezzo: the church was in ruins, while the baptistery was in better condition, although it lacked decorations inside.

After further interventions in 1561 and 1565, restoration work began in 1576, and in the 18th century, the church was expanded and a sacristy was built, with the addition of the Chapel of the Rosary at the end of the 19th century.

In 1966, an article by Mario Soldati on Romanesque and Pre-Romanesque Lomellina contributed to the rediscovery of the Pieve of Velezzo, culminating in 1983 with restorations carried out by the Lombardy Monument Superintendency, which gave it its current appearance.

Construction period: late 10th century – early 11th century.

(Fonte www.lomellinaterradiriso.org)