The oratory of San Martino dates back to the XI century; it is near to the site of the “castrum Breclema” documented since the XI century. The remains of the centuries-old fortification are still visible. It is three kilometres far from the centre of Romagnano on the road to Novara hidden by the industrial settlements. Under the historical point of view, the village of Breclema was destroyed in the XIV century following the complicated political facts between the Earls of Biandrate and the Commune of Novara. The church of San Martino and part of the fortifications survived the destruction. Other news about the religious building came to light in the 17 th century since it was transformed in a kind of Lazaretto during the wars and plaques lashing Romagnano in those days. Some parish acts witness that the painting representing the Virgin Mary and Sant’Ilario, situated above the altar wall was renewed in 1693. The archaeological excavations, which have been performed at the Commune’s command from 1996 until 2001, are significant to know the ancient Romanesque oratory as they put in evidence the “signs” the local antiquity.