IWe were invited to the painting exhibition of the artist Lorenzo Dondi which took place in a room of the Town Hall at Zibello.
So we took the opportunity to visit this town laid on the banks of the river Po.
Zibello is not only the home of the prestigious sausage culatello that has however to be tasted: the town hides some little historical and cultural jewels deserving a visit.

And we can’t forget also to suggest a walk by the river Po.

We split the special in two parts and in the second one we will present a surprise which astonished also ourselves.
see 2^nd part

A bit of history:
The area was inhabited since the pre-roman era.
In 800 AD the emperor Charlemagne donated the territory to the Diocese of Cremona. As many other towns of the area it followed the vicissitudes of the Pallavicino family.
The Pallavicino maintained the investiture until 1806, when Napoleon abolished the feudal rights.
Zibello became a township after Italian unification.
Cattedrale dei santi Gervasio e Protasio :
The building of late Gothic church ended in 1580 and it was consecrated in 1620.
To be noted the red brick façade enriched by pilasters, spires and statues. In the interior frescoes of the 1800s and 1900s and a painting of the Austrian painter Ignaz Stern.

Chiesetta della Beata Vergine delle Grazie:
probably built in 14th century and originally dedicated to the Saints Gervasio and Protasio, it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin after the building of the cathedral.

Palazzo Pallavicino:
In half 15th century Gianfrancesco Pallavicino began the International Gothic building finished in early 16th century.
The red brick façade is characterized by a splendid portico with ogives sustained by octagonal pillars.

Teatro Pallavicino:
Placed at the first floor in the south-west wing of the palace by the marquis Antonio Francesco Pallavicino’s will, it was finished in 1804. Afterwards it was expanded and redecorated.
In 1905 it was acquired by the Township which added a new gallery and removed (maybe unfortunately) many 19th-century decorations.
Closed in 1963 after major renovation it was partially reopened in 2003.

Lady Chapel at the beginning of the road to the old port:
The suggestive chapel is placed on the riverbank (17th century); on the east front interesting plaques.

Once upon a time there was a castle:
Built in 1194 it resisted attacks and sieges and survived (although abandoned) until 1844 when it was demolished to obtain building material for a new construction never fulfilled (history does not teach).

Lorenzo Dondi:
Painter, sculptor and goldsmith, he was born in the Bassa Parmense and here he lived until 1959, when he went to Parma, where he now lives and works.

For more info:
Zibello - 2^nd part
Zibello: Museum of Cinema - Museum of Peasant Civilization
wikipedia: Zibello
wikipedia: Chiesa dei Santi Gervasio e Protasio
wikipedia: Chiesetta della Beata Vergine delle Grazie
wikipedia: Castello di Zibello
wikipedia: Palazzo Pallavicino
www.castellidelducato.it: zibello
Lorenzo Dondi