Mede: Castello Sangiuliani, Church and Palio

For travelers looking to combine historic buildings and art with a clearly defined event date, Mede offers several distinct points of interest. Castello Sangiuliani and the Chiesa di San Marziano represent different architectural and historical aspects, while the Ugo Fantelli archaeological and natural history collection adds another perspective. The Palio d’la Ciaramèla sets a different tone: games, processions and historical re-enactments take place on the second Sunday in September. You can therefore consider the town’s history and a recurring event date as two separate reasons to plan your trip.

Castello Sangiuliani and regional history

Castello Sangiuliani is the only one of Mede’s three castles to have survived. Together, Castello Sangiuliani and the adjoining Chiesa dei Santi Marziano e Martino have formed one of the economic, political and religious centers of Lomellina since the 12th century. This historical role anchors the complex in the region’s history. Parts of the walls dating from the 14th and 15th centuries are still visible in Mede’s historic center. They are complemented by an elegant later-period loggia and a crenellated tower. The wall sections and later loggia reveal different building phases of the surviving complex.

Chiesa di San Marziano and the Ugo Fantelli collection

The Chiesa di San Marziano took on its present form in 1390 and is designed in the Lombard Gothic style. Its features include four terracotta pinnacles and a large central rose window. The church also preserves a 13th-century fresco of San Marziano. The architecture and fresco highlight different historical periods: the church’s present form dates to 1390, while the artwork dates to the 13th century.

Another cultural highlight is the Ugo Fantelli archaeological and natural history collection. It comprises around 1,000 objects and is divided into a natural history section and an archaeological and ethnographic section. Its cultural scope thus extends beyond architectural history and sacred art to include natural history as well as archaeological and ethnographic topics.

The Palio d’la Ciaramèla in September

The Palio d’la Ciaramèla takes place on the second Sunday in September, so its exact calendar date varies from year to year. The program, held throughout the built-up center of town, includes games, processions and re-enactments of historical periods. This gives you a recurring event to plan around, although the exact date changes each year.

In the local Lippa game, the town’s ten districts—J’Angial, Marcanton, San Roc, Cruson, Pasquà, San Banardin, Piasa Giaratta, Roca Bianca, Busch and Gab—compete against each other at the Stadio Comunale. The game is locally called “ciaramèla.” The Palio thus combines events throughout the built-up center of town with a competition at a specifically named venue.

Visitor information

Admission to Castello Sangiuliani is free. If you are planning a visit, check the latest visitor information in advance. The parking area and entrance to the Chiesa di San Marziano are accessible to wheelchair users.

Discover more destinations: Valverde, Sala, Spessa, Sartirana Lomellina, Badia Pavese, San Damiano Al Colle, Castelletto Di Branduzzo, Canneto

For the broader travel overview: Pavia.