Sannazzaro de' Burgondi

Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi is a small town in the Lomellina area of Lombardy. It sits on the banks of the Agogna River, about forty-five kilometres southwest of Milan and twenty south-west of Pavia. The town shares borders with several nearby municipalities, including Corana and Ferrera Erbognone. It was once the home of the Sannazzaro family, who later expanded their influence across the Oltrepò Pavese and Montferrat regions. In the 15th century, Giacomo Malaspina became lord of the town, and his son Francesco established a marquessate that lasted until feudalism ended in 1797.

The town’s history includes a period under Savoy rule from 1713 and later became part of unified Italy in 1859. Its name was officially changed to Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi in 1863. Sannazzaro’s economy once relied on the production of tools such as wooden and metal screws. Today, it hosts one of Italy’s largest refineries, owned by ENI. The town also has a twin town in Hungary, Százhalombatta.

Visitors to Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi will find a quiet place along the Agogna River, with a mix of historic buildings and modern industry. The town’s streets reflect its past as a centre of local power and craftsmanship. Nearby farmland stretches out across the Lomellina plain, where rice fields and poplar trees line the landscape. The twin town sign in the main square offers a small reminder of its international connection. A stroll along the riverbank provides a peaceful view of the surrounding countryside.