The territory of Lodi, covering 41.38 km2 (15.98 sq mi)[18], is located in the central-southern part ofLombardy, in the area known as the "lower plain". The oldest core of the city is situated on the Eghezzone hill, an approximately trapezoidal elevation[19] on the right bank of theAdda River; the rest of the urban center lies partly on a morphological terrace shaped by the river’serosion and partly in thefloodplain area. The municipal territory ranges in elevation from 65 to 87 m (285 ft) abovesea level[18].
The municipal territory is crossed by the Adda River and several other waterways, including theMuzza Canal (which marks its western boundary), the Roggia Bertonica, and the Roggia Molina (whose urban section is now almost entirely underground)[20].
Theseismic hazard is low and uniformly distributed across the territory: thecomune has been classified by theProtezione Civile as "zone 3" (low seismicity)[26].
The climate of the Lodi territory, like the rest of thePo Valley, exhibits characteristics typical of acontinental climate, specifically theCfa subtype of theKöppen climate classification (warm-humid temperate climate with hot summers):summers are sweltering and characterized by the phenomenon of sultriness (based on data from the reference period 1961–1990, the average maximum summer temperature is +29.7 °C[27]); conversely,winters are often cold (the average minimum temperature is −0.8 °C[27]) andsnowfalls are common, though rarely heavy[28]. A very frequent phenomenon during the winter semester isfog, which can sometimes persist for days due to the absence ofsynoptic winds at ground level[29].Autumn andspring are the seasons with the highest precipitation[30].
The Italian climate classification[31] places Lodi in "zone E" with 2,592degree days[18].
Lodi traces its origins to the destruction ofLaus Pompeia, an ancient village of theBoii[32] and later aRoman municipium[33], renamed in 89 BC in honor of the consulGnaeus Pompeius Strabo. Located at the confluence of theroads fromPlacentia (Piacenza) andAcerrae (Pizzighettone) toMediolanum (Milan), and at the intersection with the road fromTicinum (Pavia) toBrixia (Brescia),Laus was a key hub and became a thriving commercial and agricultural village[34]. After coming under the control of theLombards (6th–8th centuries[35]) and later theFranks (8th–9th centuries[36]), on 24 May 1111,Laus Pompeia was razed by the Milanese following a period of siege[37]. The peace agreements prohibited the reconstruction of the destroyed buildings[37].
Nearly fifty years later, on 3 August 1158, the city was refounded by EmperorFrederick Barbarossa not on the ruins ofLaus Pompeia (nowLodi Vecchio) but along the banks of theAdda, to ensure a more strategic position for territorial control[38]. The emperor granted Lodi extraordinary privileges, despite which the city grew with difficulty[39]: in 1167, it was forced by the Milanese to join theLombard League[40] and participate in theBattle of Legnano in 1176[41].
In the 13th century, Lodi continued to develop under the protection ofFrederick II[42]. From 1251, the city saw a succession of lordships under the Vistarini,Torriani,Visconti, Fissiraga, and Vignati, until in the 14th century, the County of Lodi became dependent on theDuchy of Milan, initially under the Visconti, who built the imposingCastle of Porta Regale (1355–1370)[43], and later under theSforza, who, underFrancesco Sforza, expanded and strengthened the defensive system by constructing twofortifications at the ends of the Adda bridge[44].
In subsequent eras, Lodi fell under Spanish[48], Austrian[49], and French[50] domination. This corresponded to a period of decline and slowed demographic growth, particularly during the Spanish era, when the city was reduced to a veritablefortress[51]. On 10 May 1796,Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the Austrians in theBattle of the Lodi Bridge, paving the way for the conquest of Milan[52].
In the second half of the 19th century, the city began to expand beyond the ancientmedieval walls, particularly following the opening of theMilan-Piacenza railway in 1861 and the establishment of the first industries (including Polenghi Lombardo in 1870)[53]. Toward the end of the century, the first social clashes occurred between emergingmass parties[54].
The people of Lodi played a significant role during theResistance: the actions of theNational Liberation Committee, formed in the city in October 1943, intensified in 1944, culminating in the fatal attack on afascist party official[55]. The reprisal was severe, and by the end of the year, elevenpartisans were executed at theshooting range[56]. Lodi was liberated by theCLN on 27 April 1945: when theAllies arrived from Piacenza, they found the city completely free[57][58].
Theblazon of the municipal coat of arms is described as follows[59]:
Or, a plaincross gules. External ornaments of acity[60].
The origins of the emblem are uncertain: some historians suggest it dates back to the time of theFirst Crusade (1095), although there is no evidence confirming the city’s participation in the enterprise. Most scholars identify animperial origin, as the gold cross on a red field derives from the banner ofConstantine I[61]; the colors were later reversed[62]. According to this interpretation, the city’s banner was created even before the crusade to declare the city’s loyalty to theGhibelline cause and to distinguish Lodi’s militias during wartime actions[62].
Thegonfalon of thecomune displays theheraldic iconography of the coat of arms on the front and two scenes on the back: the first is dedicated to thepatron saintBassianus, while the second depicts Barbarossa presenting the new city’s insignia to Lodi’s notables.
Thecomune of Lodi holds the title of city, inherited fromLaus Pompeia, an ancient Romanmunicipium[33]; this status was formally recognized on 3 December 1158 by an imperial diploma issued by Frederick Barbarossa[59] and confirmed by the Imperial Patent of 24 April 1815[63].
It is the oldest and most significant monument in Lodi, as well as one of the largest churches inLombardy[64]. Its construction symbolically began on 3 August 1158, the same day as the city’s founding, and was completed in 1284[65]. The asymmetricalterracottafacade is typicallyRomanesque[66], though characterized by a tallprothyrum inGothic style and a largerose window inRenaissance style[67]; thebell tower, built between 1538 and 1554 based on a design by the Lodi nativeCallisto Piazza, remained unfinished for military security reasons[51]. The interior, with threenaves covered byrib vaults, houses notable works of art, including apolyptych by Callisto Piazza[68]. The oldest part of the building is thecrypt, which contains the relics of thepatron saintBassianus[66]; in the leftapsidiole, there is also a 15th-century sculptural group depicting theLamentation over the Dead Christ[69][70].
Located in a characteristic narrow street near Piazza della Vittoria, it is considered a masterpiece ofLombard Renaissance and represents the city’s most prestigious monument from an artistic perspective[71][72][73]. Designed in 1488 byGiovanni Battagio, it was built at thecomune’s expense as an expression of popular religiosity on the site of a formerbrothel[73]. The temple is a small octagonal structure, topped by an eight-segmentdome surmounted by a lantern; the pointed bell tower and facade were completed in later periods[74]. The interior is adorned with lavish gold decorations and houses numerousfrescoes,panels, andcanvases created between the late 15th and early 19th centuries byBergognone[75], thePiazza workshop[76], andStefano Maria Legnani[73]; the dome’s segments were frescoed in the 19th century byEnrico Scuri[77].
Built between 1280 and 1307[78], its terracotta facade, left unfinished just above the marblerose window, features a tall prothyrum and two openbiforas, representing the first example of an architectural design that spread throughout northern Italy[79]. The interior, with three naves and aLatin cross plan[80], is decorated with numerous frescoes from the 14th to 18th centuries[81]; the church also houses the remains of notable Lodi figures, including the librettist Francesco De Lemene, the poetAda Negri, and the naturalistAgostino Bassi[82].
It is the oldest church in Lodi after the Cathedral[83]. The interior, with three naves, houses significant works of art, including two frescoes by Callisto Piazza[84]. The typically Romanesque facade is characterized by two semicylindricalpilasters and a terracotta-framed rose window, above which is anaedicule with a statue of thesaint[69].
In the 14th-centuryLombard Gothic style[69], it houses an important work of art: theGalliani Polyptych created in 1520 by Alberto Piazza[78]. The rose window decorated with polychromemajolica is also noteworthy[78]. Adjacent to the church is the former convent with a cloister featuring pointed arches, transformed in the 19th century into a lavish residence now divided into private apartments[85].
The building, inRococo style, was constructed opposite the end of a long street, in keeping with the scenic style of the era[86]. The interior, in aGreek cross plan, is entirely adorned with precious 18th-century frescoes[87].
Episcopal Palace
Built in the medieval period and renovated in the 18th century by architect Antonio Veneroni (in collaboration with the Sartorio brothers), it is characterized by a massive and austere structure[88]. Noteworthy is thecourtyard with paired columns[89]. The elegant interior features some rooms decorated in the 18th century: notable are the former episcopalchapel and the frescoes byCarlo Innocenzo Carloni[89].
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Built between 1669 and 1743[90] to house a sacred image of theVirgin, considered miraculous[91]. The Greek cross interior is fully decorated with frescoes, canvases, andstucco; a side chapel contains theNeoclassical tomb ofMaria Cosway[91], a benefactress of the city[92].
Located near theAdda river, slightly off-center from the heart of the medieval historic center, it represents the best example of aBaroque building in the city[93]. Completed in the first half of the 18th century, except for the facade, the church features a single nave with anelliptical plan[94].
Church of Santa Chiara Nuova
A small space housing notable artistic works[95]. It is located in a very narrow street, typical of medieval Lodi. The small building consists of two distinct structures, one in the Romanesque style and the other in theRococo style[96].
Church of San Cristoforo
Designed by Milanese architectPellegrino Tibaldi and deconsecrated since 1798[97], it hosted a major exhibition dedicated to the Piazza family of painters from Lodi in 1989[98] and a retrospective on the graphic work of American artistAndy Warhol in 2001[99].
Former convents of San Cristoforo and San Domenico
They serve as the headquarters of theProvince of Lodi; the internal cloisters are noteworthy[82].
Church of San Gualtero
In Neoclassical style, it was built in a peripheral area in 1835, on the occasion of the visit ofEmperor of AustriaFerdinand I[100]. The building preserves therelics of the Lodi saint to whom it is dedicated[101].
Church of Santi Bassiano e Fereolo
Erected in the second half of the 17th century, it houses a wooden choir with nine stalls[102].
Palazzo Broletto, seat of the municipal administration
Palazzo Broletto
Built in 1284 next to the Cathedral, after numerous renovations, it has Neoclassical forms, as evident from theportico and the upperloggia, which opens onto the municipal council chamber[103]. On either side of the portico are the busts ofGnaeus Pompeius Strabo, who granted the title ofmunicipium toLaus Pompeia (left), andFrederick Barbarossa, founder ofLaus Nova (right)[103].
Ospedale Maggiore
The oldest core of the building dates back to the 15th century[104]; the structure was later expanded and converted into a hospital[105]. The Neoclassical facade was designed at the end of the 18th century byGiuseppe Piermarini[104], the same architect of theTeatro alla Scala inMilan. Inside, there is acloister with a portico, loggia, and 15th-century terracotta decorations[104].
Built in the 14th century, it owes its name to the influentialGhibelline family that commissioned it[111]. The structure is in Gothic style: the brick facade is enhanced bymonoforas with terracotta frames; the portico featurespointed arches and partially frescoedvaults[111].
Palazzo Galeano
A Baroque building from the 17th century, expanded and transformed in later periods[112].
Palazzo Villani
Erected in the 16th century, it is distinguished by a 16th-century facade with Baroque architectural elements[113].
Teatro alle Vigne
The city’s main theater. Originally a church, it was theclergy house of theorder of theHumiliati; in 1570, it passed to theBarnabite fathers, who converted the building into a higher institute of theology[114]. After numerous changes in use and a radical renovation, it became the theater’s headquarters in 1985[114].
Palazzo del Governo
One of the city’s most original buildings from an architectural perspective[115]; it is a large palace occupying an entire block behind the municipal palace and overlooking Piazza del Mercato. Built in 1929 on medieval foundations[116], the building combines different styles: notably, thebossage of the lower order recalls Venetian architecture[115]. Since 1995, it has been the seat of the Prefecture of Lodi[116].
Villa Braila
A historic residence inLiberty style, located southeast of the city center and surrounded by an extensive public park[117].
The Adda Bridge
Adda Bridge
Anarch bridge that crosses the river, connecting the Borgo Adda district with Revellino-Campo di Marte. Built in 1864 to replace the original wooden bridge where theBattle of Lodi took place, which was burned by Austrian troops in 1859 during theSecond Italian War of Independence[118].
Designed byRenzo Piano and located near therailway station close to the historic center, it spans over 3,000 m2 (32,000 sq ft) and represents the city’s most interesting architectural construction from the second half of the 20th century[82][119]. It has been used as a setting for severalcommercials[120].
Demolition works of the Revellino fort (current Piazzale Crema), July 1872
Walls of Lodi
The city’s first defensive structure—already protected on three sides by theAdda marshes—consisted of a simple wooden palisade protected by amoat through which the Roggia Molina flowed, effectively turning Lodi into an island[note 1]. The construction of the walls began on 3 August 1160, in the presence of Frederick Barbarossa, Bishop Alberigo Merlino, and theCremonese architect Tinto Muso de Gata, and was completed in 1211[121]. These walls were at least six or seven meters high, withmerlons shaped like swallowtails, reflecting the city’s Ghibelline allegiance[122]. During theSforza period, defensive systems were particularly developed near the river, with the construction of theravelin on theCrema bank and two towers at the ends of the Adda bridge[44]. In 1607, during theSpanish era, extensivebastions were built extending toward the countryside, giving the city a "star-shaped" structure. Deemed obsolete and unusable, they were quickly demolished in the mid-18th century during theAustrian period, replaced by the ring road. The ancient walls were largely demolished in the 20th century due to urban expansion; today, traces remain in various parts of the city, including the Observatory of San Vincenzo near the Isola Carolina park.
A typical medieval fortress, largely destroyed; its tall and massive keep is one of the city’s most iconic symbols[43]. The building is not open to visitors as it houses the offices of the LodiPolice Headquarters.
Porta Cremona
The only surviving gate of the city’s ancient access points. Its current appearance is due to a complete reconstruction between 1790 and 1792 by architect Antonio Dossena[123].
Known as "Piazza Maggiore" until 1924[103], it is the heart of the city[82]: notably, the Cathedral and the municipal palace (Palazzo Broletto) face onto it[111]. Characterized by a quadrangular plan[82], it is a rare example of asquare with porticos on all four sides[124]. This unique feature, combined with the elegance of the variously colored and sized palaces surrounding it, makes it a particularly evocative place, so much so that theTouring Club Italiano included it in 2004 in the list of Italy’s most beautiful squares[125]. The paving of the square, in the typical Lombardcobblestone made of river pebbles, dates back to 1471[126] or, according to some sources, to the 18th century[82].
Piazza Broletto at night
Piazza Broletto
A small trapezoidal area enclosed between the porticos of Palazzo Broletto and the left side of the Cathedral[103]. In the medieval period, it was the hub of the city’s public life[127], and it now serves as the seat of municipal authority[128]. At its center is afountain inpink Carrara marble, derived from thebaptismal font of the Cathedral and dating to the 14th century[103]. It is a pedestrian area.
Piazza del Mercato
A rectangular square, also paved with the typical cobblestone, where the apse of the Cathedral, a secondary wing of Palazzo Broletto, the Palazzo del Governo, and the Episcopal Palace face[129]. On Saturdays and Sundays, the traditional street market is held here[130].
Piazza Castello
A relatively large square, designated as a pedestrian area except for the central strip open to vehicular traffic; it takes its name from the Visconti Castle that faces it[82][131]. Notable is the statue dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, celebratingItalian unification[82][131]. The square borders the Isola Carolina park[82].
View of Piazza Ospitale
Piazza Ospitale
Commonly called "Piazza San Francesco", it is celebrated in some works by the poet Ada Negri[132]. This rectangular square, also paved with cobblestone and designated as a pedestrian area, is characterized by the presence of the Church of San Francesco and the facade of the Ospedale Maggiore[126]; it also features a statue of the scientistPaolo Gorini[82].
Piazza San Lorenzo
A very small square, almost hidden among a maze of narrow, winding streets typical of Lodi’s medieval historic center[83]. Its intimate yet luminous atmosphere recalls a Venetian square[83][126]. The square takes its name from the church it faces[83] and is also a pedestrian area.
Corso Roma
Originating from Piazza della Vittoria, it is heavily frequented due to its numerous commercial activities[82]. Like other streets in the city center, its main attraction is the presence of Liberty-style palaces and the evocative internal courtyards of noble residences[119].
Located near the historic center, close to Piazza della Vittoria and Piazza Castello, it takes its name from the Carolina farmhouse, which was named in 1825 in honor ofCaroline Augusta of Bavaria, wife of EmperorFrancis I of Austria[133]. The park covers approximately 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft)[133] and was created in the mid-1950s thanks to a donation fromEnrico Mattei, who wanted to repay the city where significantnatural gas deposits were discovered[133]. Mattei spared no expense and planted species of notable botanical interest[134], selected from theLake Como area[133]. Since 2006, it has hosted the headquarters of the Adda Sud Park[135].
The Federico Barbarossa public gardens
Federico Barbarossa Public Gardens
Located almost in the heart of the city center, along Viale IV Novembre, they occupy the area that was the leveling of the moat where, until the 1930s, the Roggia Molina flowed[136], which was channeled and covered between 1931 and 1937 thanks to a project by local architect Giovanni Attilio Fugazza[137]. The original core of the gardens dates to 1835, the year of Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria’s visit to the city[137][138]. At the center stands the Monument to the Resistance, a 1967 work by sculptor Gianni Vigorelli[139].
Lungo Adda Bonaparte
Visitors can stroll along the banks of the Adda River and enjoy the surrounding river vegetation[140]; it was one of the favorite places of the poetGiosuè Carducci when visiting Lodi[141].
Bosco del Belgiardino
A small naturalistic oasis on the banks of the Adda[142][143], at the border with the territory ofMontanaso Lombardo; numerous paths originate from the area, allowing visits to the surrounding woods, partially transformed into abotanical garden[142], where waterfowl such asmoorhens,mallards,swans,herons, andlittle grebes live[68]. During the summer, it becomes a recreational center thanks to a swimming pool managed by theComune of Lodi[142].
Great Lodi Forest (Bosco Valle Grassa-Coldana-Sant'Antonio)
An area of significant naturalistic interest, created by the Province of Lodi with funding from the Lombardy Region[144]. Located near the urban center, it can be visited via bicycle and pedestrian paths[144]. It is areforestation project with native tree and shrub species[145], with a permanent legal designation as a forest[146].
Like many other northern Italian centers, in the 21st century, Lodi has become a multiethnic city with a significant presence of foreign residents. As of 31 December 2023, foreign residents in thecomune numbered 6,301, or 13.95% of the population. The most significant groups are as follows:[149]
On 19 January each year, thepatronal feast ofSaint Bassianus is celebrated[150][151]. Religious celebrations begin the previous evening in theCathedral, with a diocesan vigil presided over by the bishop[152]. The actual feast day begins on the morning of 19 January with a procession of civic authorities from Palazzo Broletto to the Cathedral, accompanied by figures in medieval costumes; in thecrypt, where the saint’s relics are kept, official speeches are delivered by the mayor and the bishop[151][153].
Vendors of the traditional "filsòn" (strings of boiled chestnuts) during the Saint Bassianus fair
After the solemn mass, under the porticos of Palazzo Broletto, the free distribution ofbüšèca (Lombard-styletripe cooked withpancetta, vegetables, and beans), hot tea, andmulled wine takes place; simultaneously, throughout the day, the traditional Saint Bassianus fair is held in Piazza della Vittoria[153][154]. In the afternoon, after the celebration ofvespers, the ceremony for the awarding of civic honors and the "Fanfullino della riconoscenza" prize takes place, given to Lodi citizens distinguished in the fields of social commitment and cultural or scientific promotion[150][153].
Lodi is one of the northern Italian cities whereSaint Lucia is venerated as a bringer of gifts[155]: according to tradition, in the days leading up to the 13 December feast, children list their desired gifts in a letter, which must then be placed in an urn set up for the occasion in the Cathedral, at the foot of the saint’s statue[156]. Preparations for the feast begin in one of the first afternoons of the month, when the city hosts the "Saint Lucia vigil", an event dedicated to primary and kindergarten-age children[157]. Additionally, from 8 December[note 2] to midnight on 12 December, the ancient Saint Lucia fair is held in Piazza della Vittoria, with stalls selling toys, sweets, and handicrafts[155][158][159].
The street market in the historic center is one of the city's oldest and most significant popular traditions[129]. It takes place on Saturdays and Sundays in the square of the same name, while on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it is held in Piazza della Vittoria[130]. The market consists of a variable number of stalls, ranging from 75 to 78[160]. At the stalls specializing in food products, visitors can find typical items of local cuisine[129].
Spectators gathered on the bridge to watch the fireworks display during the opening evening of the 2009 Palio
Since 1986, the "Palio dei Rioni" has been held annually[161], ahistorical reenactment consisting of a series of challenges among the city's ancient neighborhoods. The Palio day begins in the Cathedral with a solemn Mass presided over by the bishop. Following a parade in traditional costumes, the "ring race" takes place, during which a jockey rides a wooden and iron horse[162] and, pushed by two athletes, attempts to throw his javelin through four rings placed around the perimeter of Piazza della Vittoria in the shortest time possible[161]. The event continues with the "cursa dei cavài"[note 3], in which competitors must ride their horses three laps around the square, trying to be the first to reach the finish line located in front of the cathedral square[161]. The winning neighborhood, determined by the rankings of the various events, receives "el bastón de san Bassan"[note 4] from the hands of the city’s mayor. Occasionally, the final ranking is also determined by the outcomes of competitions held on theAdda River during the summer, including a contest for allegorical boats, a canoe race, and a "river bicycle" race[163]. The Department for the Development and Competitiveness of Tourism has awarded the Lodi Palio the title of "Italy’s heritage for tradition"[164], a recognition aimed at promoting the most significant folkloric events at the national level[165].
The following table shows the rankings of the municipality of Lodi in the annual report published byLegambiente as part of the "Ecosistema Urbano" survey on the environmental quality of provincial capital cities. Between the 18th and 20th editions of the survey, municipalities were evaluated separately based on population size; Lodi was placed in the group of "small cities"[166].
TheBiblioteca Laudense has ancient origins and was opened to the public in 1792. Its historical section houses approximately 11,000 volumes, includingincunabula, sixteenth-century books,illuminated manuscripts, and othermanuscripts, as well as valuableprints andmaps[197][198]. The modern collection, on the other hand, consists of more than 135,000 volumes[199].
The University of Milan’s hub includes the faculty ofveterinary medicine, designed by the Japanese architectKengo Kuma, alongside which are located an educational-experimentalzootecnical center[203] and aveterinary hospital comprising educational and clinical facilities forhorses,cattle,pigs,sheep,goats, andcompanion animals[204]. The city also is home to the Research Center for Forage and Dairy Productions, formed by the merger of the Experimental Institute for Forage Crops, directed from 1948 to 1976 by the renowned agronomist Giovanni Haussmann[205], with the Experimental Dairy Institute and the Experimental Institute for Dairy Cattle Husbandry[206].
Lodi is home to several important museums, including the Civic Museum[209], the Paolo Gorini Anatomical Collection[210], the Natural Sciences Museum[211], the Incoronata Temple Treasure Museum[212], the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art[213], and the Printing and Art Printing Museum[214].
Lodi is renowned for itsartistic ceramic production[217]. Documented since the 15th century, this activity saw significant expansion in the 18th century with the Coppellotti, Rossetti, and Ferretti factories, and in the 19th century with the Dossena family. The main subjects, reproduced inturquoise monochrome andpolychrome, include landscapes with ruins,still lifes, floral motifs, popular scenes, andchinoiserie. Contemporary Lodi artistic ceramic production, known as "Vecchia Lodi", focuses on revisiting the stylistic models of the Ferretti manufacture[218]. Lodi is recognized among the "Cities of Ceramics – Traditional Artistic Ceramics"[219], a designation proudly borne by its numerous artisan workshops[220].
In the 1950s, the city hosted two painting competitions: the "Città di Lodi" prize (1950) and the "Lodi and the World of Milk" contest (1956), held respectively during the second and fifth Milk Fair[221].
Thegastronomy of Lodi is primarily characterized by dairy products. The most renowned among the localcheeses is theGrana PadanoPDO[222]. Another version ofgrana cheese, called Tipico LodigianoPAT[223], is produced, directly derived from the traditional processing of Granone Lodigiano, now extinct. This ancient product, considered the "progenitor" of all grana cheeses, had distinctive characteristics: its color was yellow due to the addition ofsaffron to the paste; moreover, as it was not pressed, it expelledwhey during aging, forming the characteristic "tear"[224][225]. Fresh grana cheeses are cut in half and scraped with a special tool: this technique yields very thin flakes known asraspadüra[224]. Other typically Lodi cheeses includemascarpone PAT[223] and pannerone PAT[223], both made withcream.Frittate,soups, andsalumi are other specialties; there are also numerous typical desserts, such as the Tortionata PAT[223], Amaretti Fanfullini, and Gnam-gnam[226].
The "Festival of the Seven Deadly Sins", promoted by the municipality, consisted of seven editions held each spring from 2003 to 2009, attracting over 20,000 visitors for each event[227]. Each of the seven editions featured cultural events, debates, exhibitions, and workshops dedicated to one of the sevendeadly sins of Western philosophical tradition[227][228]. In subsequent years, the event was replaced by the "Human Behaviors" festival (2010-2015) and the "Generating Future" festival (2016-2017)[229].
Since 2010, the "Ethical Photography Festival" has been held every autumn in the city, one of the most significantdocumentary photography exhibitions on an international scale[230].
In the early centuries of the city’s existence, urban development progressed slowly[231]: the construction of theCathedral, begun between 1158 and 1160, was completed over a hundred years later, excluding subsequent modifications; at the end of the 12th century, theSan Lorenzo Church was built, while theSan Francesco Church and the initial core of the Broletto Palace date back to the late 13th century[231]. The following century left behind the Vistarini Palace, theCastle, and theSant’Agnese Church[231]. In the late 15th century, remembered as the period of the city’s greatest splendor[11], numerous new buildings were erected, including the Mozzanica Palace, the Ospedale Maggiore, and theCivic Temple of the Incoronata[231]; during the same period, the defensive fortification system[44] dating back to the early 13th century was strengthened[121]. Between the 16th and early 18th centuries, the San Cristoforo Complex and the Modignani Palace were built[231].
Map of the city in 1753
However, the current appearance of the historic center is largely due to the works carried out between the 18th and 19th centuries, which altered the original urban structure of Lodi’s ancientmedieval core[232]. During theAustrian period, in particular, a robust economic recovery led to significant construction development[232], transforming the city’s appearance in the style oflate Baroque architecture: new churches, includingSanta Maria del Sole[233],Santa Maria Maddalena[94], andSan Filippo[87], were built, while the Episcopal Palace was completely renovated[88]. Numerous monasteries and minor religious buildings were deconsecrated and, in some cases, demolished to make way for new private residences; the main streets were also widened by removingguard stones and demolishingporticos[232]. During the same period, the first twosuburban cemeteries of Riolo and San Fereolo were established[118]. Thebastions built during theSpanish domination of the 17th century were also demolished; in their place, a 3,700 m (12,100 ft)ring road was designed, connecting all the city gates, which had served as customs barriers for centuries[234]. In 1835, the southern segment of the ring road was transformed into a "public promenade"[138].
By the mid-19th century, Lodi’s urban area was still entirely enclosed within the medieval walls[235]; outside the perimeter of the walled city, in addition to numerousfarmsteads[note 6], there were some hamlets (San Grato, San Fereolo, and San Bernardo), situated at the intersections of regional and local roads, at distances ranging from 2 to 5 km from the city center[236]. This complex urban layout was altered in 1861 with the opening of theMilan-Bologna railway line, which passed through Lodi along the southern edge of the inhabited area: the railway track became the main obstacle when, in the following decades, the city began to slowly expand into the areas adjacent to the ring of the walls[237].
Public housing built in the "Oliva village", named after the mayor of the time (1951)
Between 1864 and the early 20th century, numerous urban interventions were carried out: regarding the two cemeteries in Riolo and San Fereolo, the former was expanded, and the latter was closed; in 1886, the construction of the Monumental Cemetery (better known as "Maggiore") began[238]. Regarding the road network, the most significant works included the construction of the new Adda bridge in masonry[118], the redevelopment of the Piazza della Vittoria area[239], the expansion of Piazza Ospitale, and the creation of a road axis between therailway station and the historic center, with the opening of Viale Dante and Piazza Castello[240]. In terms of infrastructure, in 1880, foursteam interurban trams were inaugurated: the Milan-Lodi, the Lodi-Treviglio-Bergamo, the Lodi-Sant’Angelo, and the Lodi-Crema-Soncino[240]. During the same period, rapid urbanization occurred in the quadrilateral between the public promenade and the railway: alongside some industrial settlements, the first batch of public housing was built in 1904[241]. Simultaneously, further south, the first large industrial complexes emerged: the National Hemp and Flax Mill in the San Fereolo area and the Lodi Mechanical Workshops in the Camolina locality[242].
After a phase of moderate growth between the 1920s andWorld War II[243], from 1955, the city’s development accelerated and began to involve both banks of theAdda[118]: new neighborhoods were created, including the "Fanfani houses" (west of the historic center) and the "Oliva village" (southwest), both built under the INA-Casa plan[244]. Between the 1970s and 2000s, in addition to the completion of a system ofring roads, much of the industrial building stock was decommissioned and converted into new residential areas[245].
Fontana[246] is located 3 km northeast of the city, in the portion of the territory on the left bank of the Adda[20]. The locality, which is home to a sanctuary built between the 16th and 17th centuries[247], is crossed by theformer Pavia-Brescia state road[20] and has 304 residents[248].
Olmo[246] is a settlement of 197 inhabitants[248], located 4 km southeast of the city center, along the Via Emilia[20].
Riolo[246], formerly afrazione of the suburban municipality of Vigadore[249], is a locality situated between Lodi andDovera, in the Oltreadda Lodigiano[20]. It is adjacent to the route of the Bergamina road[20] and has a primary school[208]; it is home to 120 people[248].
San Grato[246] is located in the northwestern sector of the municipal territory, approximately 4 km from the city center[20]; with 692 inhabitants, it is the most populous of Lodi’s hamlets[248].
Bottedo is a rural locality located west of the city, near theMilan-Bologna railway line, about 5 km from the historic center[20]. Until 1873, it was an autonomous municipality[250]; today, it is a largefarmstead inhabited by a few families[248].
Torre de’ Dardanoni is a farmstead located on the banks of the Cassinetta ditch, near the border with the municipality ofLodi Vecchio, southwest of the capital[20]. Until 1841, it was the seat of a municipality[251]. Due to the depopulation of rural areas, the locality is uninhabited[248].
Vigadore is a hamlet of ancient origins[249] with 41 inhabitants[248]. Located on the left bank of the Adda, along the road to Crema[20], it was an autonomous municipality until 1870[252].
Agriculture andlivestock have been of fundamental importance to Lodi and its territory since theMiddle Ages[253]. As evidence of the ongoing significance of theprimary sector, data[note 7] indicate 1,786 farms in theprovince producing mainlymaize (47% of theutilized agricultural area) andforage (24% of the UAA)[254]. In the municipal territory, there are 84 farms, and the utilized agricultural area consists of 2,130 ha (5,300 acres), of which 48% is cultivated withmaize; additionally, there are 5,495 head ofcattle and 23,362 head ofpigs[255].
To ensure and promote the excellence of the sector, as well as to protect the environment, animal welfare, and consumer health, the "Lodigiano Terra Buona" brand committee was established in 2004[256][257].
The first industrial plants established in Lodi were related to the processing of primary sector products: the Lanificio Varesi (1868), the Polenghi Lombardo, the first Italian company to fully processmilk (1870), the Officine Sordi, which built machinery for the dairy sector (1881), and the Linificio Canapificio Nazionale (1909)[253]. Among other industries in the city, the mechanical sector was particularly developed: for example, the Lodi Mechanical Workshops (1908), the Officine Meccaniche Folli-Gay (1922), the Officine Curioni (1925), and the Officine Elettromeccaniche Adda (1926) were active[253]. The latter were acquired in the 1980s byABB[258], which in 1994 transferred its global center for the construction oftransformers,high-voltage circuit breakers, andelectrical substations to Lodi[258]; in 2016, the company employed about 230 people[259].
The Lodi area is one of the production areas ofGrana Padano
In 1944,methane began to be extracted from the wells of nearby Caviaga, and its applications were tested at the localAgip research center. The six-legged dog, the company’s logo, is said to be inspired by the mythical dragon Tarantasio that allegedly hauntedGerundo Lake: when methane was discovered in those areas, it was imagined that the creature, once the guardian of themarshes and then disappeared underground after theirreclamation, had reappeared in the form of gas[260]. Lodi was the first city in Italy to use methane for domestic and industrial purposes[261]. In thepetrochemical industry, since 1963, Itelyum has been based in Lodi, specializing in the recycling of usedmotor oil through arefining process[262]. In 2007, the company had a turnover of 100 million euros and employed 170 people[263].
Among the most important companies in the service sector isZucchetti, which operates in the software and hardware industry; with approximately 7,000 employees, of which 1,300 are in Lodi, and a turnover exceeding one billion euros, it is one of Italy’s leading companies in the IT field[270].
In 1997, Lodi was one of the first cities to be wired withoptical fiber as part ofTelecom Italia’s Socrates project, aimed at creating a network forcable television and data transmission[274].
At the beginning of the 21st century, before theGreat Recession, the city experienced significant economic growth due to the revival of commercial activities, the expansion of the ring road system, and the development of environmental technologies (thanks to the significant portion ofrecyclable waste produced by the people of Lodi[275] anddistrict heating technology[276]).
Lodi was part of theart cities circuit of the Po Valley from 1999 until 2018, when the organization was dissolved[17][277]. Since the 2000s, tourism has been a rapidly expanding sector in the area: in 2006, 137,000 arrivals were recorded, a 116% increase compared to three years earlier[278].
In addition to cultural tourism, naturalistic tourism is particularly significant, thanks to the efficient cycling network that extends from the capital throughout the territory[279]. Food and wine tourism is particularly concentrated between October and December, during which, since 1988, the "Lodi Gastronomic Festival" is held[280][281].
Lodi is a regional road hub: the city is served by the State Road 9 Via Emilia and numerousprovincial roads, including theformer SS 235Pavia-Brescia and the former SS 472Treviglio-Lodi. The roads converging on the city are connected by the South and Eastring roads, forming a semi-ring (interrupted in the northwest sector) withdual carriageway characteristics[20].
TheAutostrada del Sole also passes nearby; the "Lodi" exit, located in the municipal territory ofPieve Fissiraga, is 6 km southwest of the city.
TheLodi railway station is situated on theMilan-Bologna railway and is primarily served bysuburban, regional (Milan-Piacenza), and fast regional (Milan-Bologna and Milan-Mantua) trains operated byTrenord andTPER, as well as some long-distance services run byTrenitalia. Most of the traffic consists of commuters traveling to the capital of Lombardy; the station serves a wide catchment area, including travelers from nearby towns and theCremasque area[282].
Between 1880 and the early decades of the 20th century, Lodi was the center of an extensive network ofinterurban trams, including the Milan-Lodi, Lodi-Treviglio-Bergamo, Lodi-Sant’Angelo, and Lodi-Crema-Soncino lines, connecting the city with the main capitals of Lombardy[240].
The administrative history of the Municipality of Lodi since theestablishment of the Italian Republic can be divided into two phases: for the first thirty years, only mayors from theChristian Democracy party succeeded one another, while from 1975 onward, the city has been predominantly governed by representatives ofleft orcenter-left coalitions[286][287].
Subdivision of Lodi’s suburb before 1840, with the threechiosi and the three external municipalities
The municipality is part of the management consortium of the Adda Sud Park, whose headquarters are located in Lodi[135][289].
In 1877, thesuburban municipalities of Chiosi Uniti con Bottedo and Chiosi d’Adda Vigadore were annexed to the municipal territory[290]. The term "chiosi", ofdialectal origin, referred to the agricultural lands surrounding the city of Lodi[291], similar to the more well-knownCorpi Santi aroundMilan.
^"The staff of Saint Bassianus" in Lodigiano dialect.
^abThe data is not comparable with the previous year: from the 18th to the 20th edition of the survey, municipalities were placed in separate categories based on population size.
^Rural settlements were typically located at the hydraulic nodes formed by the network of irrigation ditches watering the territory.
^Related to the fifth general agriculture census of October 2000.
^"STAR" stands for "Società Trasporti Automobilistici Regionali".
^abBelloni, Caterina (18 October 2006). "Research, the Lombard challenge: "Now we import brains"".Corriere della Sera. p. 13.
^Caruso, Andrea (25 March 2013). "The "DNA" of the peach unveiled in Lodi, a 4,000-year-old story".Il Cittadino. p. 12.
^abBelloni, Caterina (14 February 1999). "Lodi among the "art cities" of the Po basin".Corriere della Sera. p. 47.
^abc"Lodi: clima e dati geografici". www.comuni-italiani.it. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^abcdefghijk"Percorsi turistici". Comune di Lodi. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Chiesa di S. Maria delle Grazie". Regione Lombardia. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^abCuti, Emiliano (19 November 2009). "Baroque echoes up and down the Eghezzone hill".GustaLo. p. 2.
^"Maria Cosway: profilo". Fondazione Maria Cosway. Archived from the original on 31 July 2012. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ab"Storia". Teatro alle Vigne. Archived from the original on 31 October 2018. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ab"Come raggiungerci". Prefettura – Ufficio Territoriale del Governo di Lodi. 14 April 2009. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Villa Braila". Regione Lombardia. Archived fromthe original on 17 October 2016. Retrieved27 November 2023.
^"Porta Cremona". Regione Lombardia. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^ab"Mercati". Comune di Lodi. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^abcdPublication of the call for the design competition for the redevelopment works of the Isola Carolina Park (press release), Comune di Lodi, 31 August 2007.
^A design competition for the redevelopment works of the Isola Carolina Park (press release), Comune di Lodi, 15 December 2005.
^ab"Dove siamo". Adda Sud Park. Archived fromthe original on 5 November 2015. Retrieved22 September 2021.
^"La foresta ritorna in pianura"(PDF). Interwood – La rete delle associazioni dei proprietari dei boschi di pianura. 27 May 2005. p. 3. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 11 January 2012. Retrieved18 January 2021.
^ab"Lodi takes to the streets for patron Bassianus: faith, folklore, and culture for the city's feast".Il Cittadino. 18 January 2016. p. 10.
^Bianchi, Raffaella (18 January 2016). "The community gathers tonight among the ancient naves of the Cathedral".Il Cittadino. p. 11.
^abc"Festa patronale di San Bassiano". Comune di Lodi. 15 January 2010. Archived from the original on 7 November 2015. Retrieved18 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^Soffiantini, Andrea (18 January 2016). "Buseca and mulled wine, the ritual is renewed under the porticos of Palazzo Broletto".Il Cittadino. p. 12.
^ab"Lodi kicks off the Saint Lucia feast".Corriere della Sera. 9 December 2009.
^Gaudenzi, Federico (9 December 2015). "Santa Lucia, a magic that never fades".Il Cittadino. p. 11.
^Gaudenzi, Federico (7 December 2015). "A thousand lights in flight for Saint Lucia".Il Cittadino. p. 21.
^"From Sunday in Piazza Vittoria, 74 stalls for the holidays".Il Cittadino. 5 December 2014. p. 11.
^"Santa Lucia, the feast begins Monday morning".Il Cittadino. 5 December 2015. p. 16.
^The central market moves to Piazza della Vittoria for two days (press release), Municipality of Lodi, 2 February 2006.
^abcEcobi, Gaetano (5 September 2009). "Lodi è pronta alla lunga notte del Palio".Il Giorno.
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Ambreck, Beatrice; et al. (1996).Atlante della nuova Provincia di Lodi [Atlas of the New Province of Lodi]. Lodi: Il Giorno.
Bassi, Age (1977).Storia di Lodi [History of Lodi]. Lodi: Edizioni Lodigraf.ISBN88-7121-018-2.
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Colombo, Elisabetta (2005). "Il governo del Municipio. Una politica a dimensione di città" [The municipal government. A policy tailored to the city]. In Giorgio Bigatti (ed.).Il Municipio e la Città – Il Consiglio comunale di Lodi (1859-1970) [The Municipality and the City – The Lodi City Council (1859-1970)]. Cinisello Balsamo: Silvana Editoriale.ISBN88-8215-999-X.
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Majocchi, Pierluigi (2008). "Francesco Sforza e la pace di Lodi" [Francesco Sforza and the Peace of Lodi].Archivio Storico Lodigiano – Organo della Società Storica Lodigiana [Lodi Historical Archive – Organ of the Lodi Historical Society]. Lodi: Società Storica Lodigiana.
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Meriggi, Maurizio (2005). "Lo sviluppo urbanistico" [Urban Development]. In Giorgio Bigatti (ed.).Il Municipio e la Città – Il Consiglio comunale di Lodi (1859-1970) [The Municipality and the City – The Lodi City Council (1859-1970)]. Cinisello Balsamo: Silvana Editoriale.ISBN88-8215-999-X.
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