Castelleone, which holds the title of city, did not grow by chance: it was founded on a set day, as Cremona's outpost facing Crema. In 1186 Frederick Barbarossa had razed nearby Castel Manfredi, leaving one tower standing, the one locals still call the Torrazzo, spared at the request of a Cremonese who had met the emperor. Two years later, on 18 April 1188, Bishop Sicardo of Cremona laid the first stone of the new castle: that day the church sang Vicit Leo de tribu Iuda, and the name Castrum Leonis is said to come from it; others tie it to Pope Leo.
On 2 June 1213, in the fields of the Bodesine, Castelleone and Cremona got the better of Crema and Milan: the captured Milanese Carroccio entered the castle in triumph, and a hospital built for the wounded passes for the first in Lombardy. The arms tell the name, a lion carrying a castle, but not the colours: the true ones were red and azure, and it was the heraldic office that handed the town yellow and blue.
Risotto alla Milanese
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Next up: Saints Philip and James, patrons on the anniversary of the apparition to Domenica Zane, Tuesday 11 May
Nearest airport: Milano Linate, 42 km away
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📅 Every year, on 11 May, anniversary of Mary's apparition to Domenica Zane
Castelleone celebrates its patrons, Saints Philip and James, on 11 May, the anniversary of Mary's apparition to Domenica Zane: on this date and on the second Sunday of September, a procession is held to the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Misericordia.
Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Castelleone, but an easy day trip away.
