Eugi Gufo's siteEugi Gufo

The decision to visit a small town brings several advantages for an explorer. For instance, it is possible to see more than one in the course of the same day and therefore gain a better understanding of the characteristics of an area larger than a single city. That is exactly what I did on 7 December 2012, visiting Stradella and the nearby town of Broni. It is the latter that I am writing about now.
As soon as I got off the train, I was struck by the railway station, which still preserves a 1970s style (or perhaps even older?).

For a town of that size (just 9,500 inhabitants), Broni’s historic centre could be described as large, almost disproportionate in relation to the rest of the town. In places it is beautiful and well maintained; in others it appears run-down but is still attractive. I must admit that I did not find the same level of decay as in nearby Stradella.

The following photograph shows one of the very few possible ways of framing the entire Basilica Maggiore from the street. Only while preparing this report did I discover that I had taken a photograph almost identical to the one on Wikipedia (which I never consult before a particular trip).

The interior of the Basilica is so beautiful that I would describe it as the only truly worthwhile attraction for a traditional tourist. But I, as you already know, almost never publish tourist photos. Moreover, a funeral was about to begin, so I was in something of a hurry. I will show you just a small part of the beautiful nativity scene. I hope they set it up every year: that way I can recommend it to everyone.

In the town centre there is another equally typical sight to be seen: a saint protecting the shop of the local agricultural company.

But citizens, believers and non-believers alike, are equal in front of the doors of the town hall, with inscriptions such as these:

Since we have touched on the subject of signs, I must confess something peculiar: this is the first time I have encountered the word «zonale». Or perhaps it is simply the first time I have noticed it.

But let us stop confusing the sacred and the profane and move on…

Around Broni I noticed several construction sites aimed at restoring old buildings.

The result is sometimes rather shocking. Well, I assume the designer of this balcony has already been executed.

The most beautiful and well-kept building in all of Broni turned out to be a nursing home for the elderly. At first glance, I had taken it for a five-star hotel or a casino.

At this point it is important to point out that Broni’s pavements are equipped for disabled people who move independently in wheelchairs. I had even thought about suggesting the idea to Maran, but then I remembered the condition of 90% of Milan’s pavements and realised that they are not exactly a priority for the City Council.

Another nice thing seen in Broni: at crossroads the pavements are often protected in the following way.

Ah, did you notice what an original solution this is: the cigarette is extinguished and thrown straight into the bin, so the operator only has to change the full bags. It is a new type of bin in my collection.

All the other bins in Broni, even when original, are disguised with enormous plastic bags.

The typical benches of Broni:

A reinforced concrete chair near a private entrance:

And, to conclude, the bicycle parking next to the FS railway station. Unfortunately it was empty and with the gate open, so I cannot tell you anything about its popularity or security. The idea, however, is a good one.

And so I have finished once again. If you happen to be in the area, take a walk around. If, on the other hand, for some reason you cannot, do not despair too much.