The Stradella Natural History Museum: fossils, the Po River and prehistoric memories

In the heart of lively Stradella, amidst history, music and culture, lies a small but very rich treasure chest of knowledge: the ‘Ferruccio Lombardi’ Civic Natural History Museum, housed in the noble Palazzo Garibaldi. This museum is an authentic point of reference for those who wish to learn more about the natural, geological and anthropological history of the Oltrepò Pavese and the Po River basin.

Cover image taken from the website of the Municipality of Stradella

Dedicated to Ferruccio Lombardi, guardian of nature memory

The museum is named after Ferruccio Lombardi, a central figure in the enhancement of the local environmental heritage. His memory is celebrated right from the entrance, where a bronze statue dedicated to him welcomes visitors.

Created as the Museum of the Po, the museum houses numerous exhibits from the great river, bearing witness to the long relationship between man and nature in the area of the Four Provinces.

A journey through geology, palaeontology and anthropology

The museum tour inside the Stradella Natural History Museum is divided into themed rooms, each dedicated to an aspect of the territory’s natural history. It begins with Geology, where rocks, minerals, crystals and even traces of thegold of the Po, found in the river sands, are on display. Next, the Palaeontology section displays remains of prehistoric animals such as mammoths, bison and aurochs, offering an exciting glimpse of the fauna that once populated the Po plains.

The anthropological section is also fascinating, containing human remains and fossils, providing a narrative of the presence of man along the banks of the Po since ancient times.

The living nature of the Oltrepò between insects, trees and… bees

In addition to the more remote past, the museum also tells the story of the current biodiversity of the Oltrepò Pavese. An entire room is dedicated to local tree species and insects, with a surprising collection of butterflies. There are also spaces dedicated to the life of bees and silkworms, completing the tale of a territory where nature is culture.

Among the curiosities, the museum’s symbol is the Celtic brooch displayed in one of the showcases: a symbolic object linking the present with the most ancient roots of local civilisation.

Useful information for the visit

• Name: ‘Ferruccio Lombardi’ Natural History Museum
• Address: Palazzo Garibaldi, Stradella (PV)
• Timetables: check with the Stradella municipality or on official channels for updates
• Accessibility: being housed in a historic building, it is advisable to enquire in advance about disabled facilities
• How to get there: Stradella is easily reached either by car (from Pavia or Piacenza) or by train (Milan-Stradella line). The museum is located in the centre, with parking in the surrounding area.