It is a place entirely dedicated to the history of shoe making, techniques and models through the centuries. Visitors can appreciate the evolution of footwear from simple functional objects to design and fashion icons.

Over 200 pieces are on show. Examples include 'la pianella di Beatrice d'Este' which belonged to to Beatrice d’Este, wife of Ludovico il Moro during the Renaissance. It was actually found during restoration of the Palazzo Ducale where the museum is located.

Also look out for an 18th century shoe once worn for Venetian masked balls and decorated with silver threads. By contrast, a lady's sandal from 1942. Classed as “moda autarchica” it could be repaired with wood or raffia during wartime when materials were scarce.

Also on display are shoes worn by Pope Giovanni XXIII, Benito Mussolini and reconstructions of those worn by Lous XIV of France. High fashion is represented by Pfister, Moreschi, Pollini and many others.

Ethnic exhibits include clogs from Holland, seal skin Eskimo boots and mocassins from the Cheyenne & Shoshone tribes of North America.

It is important to remember that shoe making comes from centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. We were once lucky enough to meet Jimmy Choo at his factory in East London and all students of fashion and design should make a detour to Vigevano next time they are in Milan.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Museo Internazionale della Calzatura "Pietro Bertolini"
Castello Sforzesco, I Scuderia
Palazzo Ducale, Vigevano.
http://museodellacalzatura.jimdo.com

Closed Mondays