Breme: Abbey, River Landscape and Regional Cuisine

Breme is located on the “Costa Rubea” hill at the confluence of the Po and Sesia. The surrounding area is fertile and lush. Those choosing between the abbey, trails and cuisine can explore San Pietro, Garzaia del Bosco Basso, the Po and Sesia, as well as the Cipolla Rossa di Breme in Breme. The location between the Po and Sesia shapes both the landscape and the routes into the surrounding area.

San Pietro Abbey: Foundation, Crypt and Baptistery

Donniverto, the last abbot of Novalesa and the first abbot of Breme, had a monastery dedicated to Saint Peter built in Breme. The preserved monastic areas also include a historic kitchen.

The preserved crypt of San Pietro Abbey dates from around the middle of the 10th century. The early Christian baptistery of Breme is located on the right side of the abbey church and has a polygonal exterior.

Santa Maria di Pollicino Outside the Abbey

Outside the abbey grounds is the rural oratory of Santa Maria di Pollicino, about 2 km from Breme on the road to Candia Lomellina. Those wishing to include this additional point in their day’s itinerary can take the approximate distance and the connection to Candia Lomellina into account. The oratory remains a separate site outside the abbey grounds.

Green and Yellow Trails

A green trail leads from Breme to Garzaia del Bosco Basso. A yellow trail leads to the confluence of the Po and Sesia. The two color-designated trails therefore have different destinations. Those choosing the landscape trail according to their destination decide in Breme between Garzaia del Bosco Basso and the confluence of the Po and Sesia.

Cipolla Rossa di Breme and Baruat

The municipality of Breme introduced the De.C.O. designation for “Cipolla Rossa di Breme” in June 2008. Cipolla Rossa di Breme is also the first Slow Food Presidio in Lomellina and is known as “la dolcissima.” Baruat is a traditional dish from Breme made with onions, fresh tomatoes and frogs, served with polenta.

June, Sagra and Merenda del Frate

The “Sagra della cipolla rossa di Breme De.C.O.” is held on the second and third Sundays in June. Typical dishes from Breme’s culinary tradition, from antipasto to dessert and gelato, are offered for tasting there. Following the route, the “Merenda del Frate” can be enjoyed by reservation, featuring typical products from Lomellina. It can be enjoyed in the abbey park or in local trattorias. For planning the timing of a culinary visit to Breme, the fixed Sagra date in June and the reservation for the Merenda del Frate are the key details.

Other places: Ceranova, Spessa, Rosasco, San Damiano Al Colle, Marcignago, Godiasco, Mede and Pieve Porto Morone.

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