Lomellina, a land rich in springs and rivers, is also well known due to the peculiar landscape it presents, especially during springtime when the preparation of the rice fields starts. When the fields are submerged under water, they reflect the blue sky and the surrounding colors creating a spectacular view, which is very attractive for tourists.
The presence of rice in Lomellina has influenced not only our perception of the territory, but also the local agriculture and by extension its cuisine.
After arriving in Lomellina at the end of the 1400s, nowadays it has become the quintessential product of this territory, where we can find a multitude of farms that handle the cultivation and production of rice, as well as museums that narrate its history.
With its plethora of varieties, derived form the morphologic characteristics of the grain, rice has taken roots in the local tradition becoming one of the typical products of Lomellina which is used in the kitchen the most.
A path that crosses all the processes related to production, from the first bags left from Cassolnovo, to the Castles that are transformed over time into agricultural estates, from farmsteads, to the storage of rice, to its sale up to its processing.
Itinerary of the rice producers and rice farms
Photo gallery
Itinerary description
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1° place on the itinerary
Ancient Rice Mill - Frascarolo
Situated inside the complex of the Farmer's Museum of Frascarolo, it contains the equipment of the Zelaschi Rice Mill.
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2° place on the itinerary
Villanova castle - Cassolnovo
The castle located in the hamlet of Villanova, dating back to the 14th century, was the country residence of the Sforza dukes, who experimented there for the first time with the cultivation of rice in Lomellina.
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3° place on the itinerary
Mora Bassa Watermill of Vigevano
An ancient watermill, the history of which intersects with the most important noble families from Lombardia, but also with the art and the affairs of Leonardo da Vinci.
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4° place on the itinerary
The Exchange Market of Mortara
The quintessential product from Lomellina, rice, benefits from its own exchange and commerce marketplace
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5° place on the itinerary
Isimbardi castle - Agogna Castle
The castle, built in the Middle Ages, became the heritage of Emperor Federico I known as Barbarossa in 1164. Today it is managed by the Vera Coghi Foundation.
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6° place on the itinerary
The Pila of Sartirana
A piece of the history of Sartirana, preserved in perfect conditions, containing some of the most important moments from the history of local rice cultivation .
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7° place on the itinerary
Società Agricola Massino - Produzione e vendita riso
Azienda agricola dedicata alla produzione di riso, mais, soia e frumento a basso impatto ambientale.
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8° place on the itinerary
Frascarolo Castle
The Visconti era castle, built in the 14th century, has been a national monument for about a century. The adjacent Peasant Museum is rich in history. Private property.
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