A GROUP of 19 from Romsey Twinning recently enjoyed a visit to Treviglio in Lombardy, northern Italy.
They arrived on April 11 and were welcomed at the Quercia di Mamre, a charitable organisation that prepares meals for local people in need.
Volunteers cook food donated by local supermarkets and other businesses for around 120 people.
The sun shone on Friday, April 12 as the group gathered for a civic welcome at Treviglio Town Hall.
Mayor Yuri Imeri gave a welcome speech and presented gifts to Romsey Twinning chairman Roland Matthews and deputy mayor John Parker, before a group visit to the Museo Verticale (Vertical Museum) in the main square.
A new museum featuring Treviglio’s restored 15th century Polyptych (altar piece) followed, with a multi-media presentation of its finer details. Other treasures newly accessible to the public were shown before they headed for lunch at the nearby restaurant Dimora del’Sapore, offered by the Mayor of Treviglio.
Treviglio has a long history of tractor production and development which is now showcased at the SAME museum next to its factory on the edge of the town.
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The day concluded with the inauguration of a red bench donated by the Bergamo branch of Soroptimists International, dedicated to ending violence against women and placed in the Giardini Romsey (Romsey Gardens).
On Saturday, April 13, Romsey twinners were treated to a visit to Monza, including the Villa Reale, the cathedral and city centre. At one time Monza was the capital of the Lombardy region, so has much to offer visitors.
Sunday, April 14 was a day spent with hosts, and still the sun shone with temperatures reaching 29 degrees. Visits to local places of interest such as Milan, Bergamo and Malpaga preceded the final group dinner, which was held in the impressive Villa Malleanna in the hill town of Almenno San Bartolomeo, a 50 minute drive from Treviglio.
On Monday, April 15, it was time for the group to leave. They look forward to returning in 2025.
For more information about Romsey Twinning, contact romseytwinning@gmail.com.
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