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In this Land of Emotions, every osteria becomes an altar of taste and every village a living tale of traditions. Discovering the Oltrepò Pavese is a journey of authentic love, where the hills embrace us and the vineyards speak to our hearts, inviting us to live an experience that goes beyond the journey, becoming a hymn of affection towards this unique and incredible land.
Admiring the beauty of the landscapes that follow one another, the journey through the Oltrepò Pavese begins as soon as you cross the mighty river Po, coming from Milan. The eye is immediately attracted by the first Apennine hills that stand out as a frame around the evocative rural landscape, announcing the entrance to this land rich in history and tradition.
The route that winds from east to west along the Via Emilia, an ancient road laid out in Roman times and today mainly travelled via the A21 motorway, passes through characteristic towns such as Voghera, Casteggio, Broni and Stradella. Along this road, flat outlets open up leading to a series of valleys, each with its own unique identity: the romantic Staffora Valley, the picturesque Schizzola Valley, the lush Coppa Valley, the quiet Scuropasso Valley and the charming Versa Valley.
A multitude of villages animate these places, each with its own vocation and history. From Voghera, the Greenway begins, a cycle route that extends as far as Varzi. Cycling along this road, it is possible to reach Codevilla, with Torrazza Coste just a few minutes away, after which the traveller is faced with a fork in the road: continue south along the Greenway, passing through Retorbido (where one can immerse oneself in the story of Bertoldo, the shrewd peasant protagonist of many popular stories) and then reach Rivanazzano Terme.
On the other side, following little-used country roads, we reach Montebello della Battaglia, whose toponymy evokes the clashes between the French and Austrian armies.
From here on, the territory is transformed, characterised by the massive presence of vineyards that testify to the natural vocation of these places: we are now in the wine valleys. The hills offer not only excellent wines, but also cosy agritourisms ready to accommodate anyone seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering the delicacies of the local cuisine.
For those who wish to ascend the hills in search of breathtaking views and evocative glimpses that instil serenity, the doors open to the picturesque towns of Borgo Priolo, Borgoratto Mormorolo, Fortunago (recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy) and the nearby Castle of Stefanago. Further down, an excellent vantage point over the plain is Rocca Susella, straddling the Schizzola and Ardivestra Valleys.
Through the centuries, the magnificent natural observation points have been strategically exploited to erect manors and castles, giving the Oltrepò a wealth of historical evidence. The castles of Montesegale, Montalto Pavese, Mornico Losana and Cigognola are just some of the gems of this heritage.
Exploring these places means immersing oneself in the vineyards that characterise the hilly strip, with numerous small producers ready to offer tastings and show their cellars during the events that mark the year, creating an authentic and compelling experience through the history and culture of this extraordinary land.
This is why one falls madly in love with Oltrepò Pavese: here, nature blends with history, and every walk through the picturesque villages and fairytale castles is a journey back in time. The paved squares, cobbled streets and ancient manors tell secrets and legends that mingle with modernity, creating an irresistible mix of tradition and contemporaneity.
But it is not only visual beauty that wins the hearts of visitors. Gastronomy, with its local delicacies, joins the concert of sensory experiences offered by this land. From the excellent wines produced in the vineyards that embrace the region to the delicious dishes prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients, the Oltrepò Pavese offers itself as a banquet for the palate.
Finally, there is the warm welcome of the inhabitants, ready to share the stories of their land and guide guests on an authentic journey. Their joie de vivre, passion for their culture and love for the beauty that surrounds them shines through in every smile and gesture of hospitality.
So yes, that is why one falls in love with the Oltrepò Pavese. In every sunset that tinges the sky with warm hues, in every tale that intertwines with millennial history, this land seeps into hearts, creating an indissoluble bond. An experience that goes beyond the sight and imprints itself on the memory, because the Oltrepò Pavese is more than a destination: it is a fascinating adventure that touches the soul.
