In a fascinating voyage of discovery in the Oltrepò Pavese area, "camminandoinoltrepo" invites us to explore the combination of art and nature through a unique itinerary. Today, our route takes us to Arena Po, a village steeped in history and enriched by works of art that blend in with the surrounding landscape.
In the picturesque Oltrepò Pavese region, where history merges with nature in a fascinating embrace, there is a route that enchants the eyes and nourishes the soul. Our journey today takes us to discover Arena Po, a jewel suspended between art and nature, through the evocative itinerary proposed by MAPO (Museo Arte e Ambiente Arena Po).
Departure from the Castle: An impressive start
The journey begins in the castle car park, where we are immediately greeted by the imposing bronze sculpture ‘In-Es‘ by G. Maraniello and ‘Principio-Destino‘ by M. Galliani. These works of art mark the starting point of our itinerary, promising a compelling visual experience.
Via della Palaria ‘Etruria‘: A plunge into history
We head towards Via della Palaria ‘Etruria‘ by A. Levolella, where our gaze is caught by the glass work ‘Untitled‘ by C. Varostos and the statue ‘Giordano Bruno looks up‘ by Renzogallo. This stretch of road offers us a plunge into history and contemporary art, a combination that makes Arena Po unique.
Through the streets of Arena Po: Discovering works of art
Travelling along Via S. Claudio and then along Provincial Road 144 to the church of S. Rocco, we come across the exposed brick buildings housing the symbols of the Grillico alphabet in G. Grillo‘s work ‘Global Identity‘. Along Via Garibaldi, the fresco by I. Ghebarus, "Arena Po Borgo d‘arte", decorates the wall of a house, giving us a vivid vision of art integrated into the urban fabric.
Piazza V. Emanuele: A stage for works of art
At Piazza V. Emanuele, the façade of the former St. James‘ Hospital comes alive with Wal‘s ‘Il Giocoliere‘, whose ball bounces in a fascinating visual ballet. Above the entrance to the Accademia dello Scivolo, ‘La fuga di Andrea Bortolon‘ (Andrea Bortolon‘s Flight) captures the eye with its dynamism.
Discovering P.zza della Chiesa: Between art and reflection
We reach P.zza della Chiesa, where a flight of steps leads us to the installation ‘Buttarsi‘ by M. Ricchi. This work invites reflection, integrating perfectly with the peaceful atmosphere of the place.
Along the tow path towards the Castle: A journey through sculptures and nature
Continuing along the towpath, we discover the sculptures that punctuate our walk: "Il nome è nel vello" (The name is in the fleece) by O. Galliani, "Segni ambientali" (Environmental signs) by I. Antico, "Personalità multiple" (Multiple personalities) by G. Cella, and the environmentalist work "A filo di Po" (At the thread of the Po) by N. Salvatore. Each sculpture tells a story, interacting with the surrounding nature and transforming our walk into a multisensory experience.
On the banks of the Po: A panoramic view
Arriving at the castle, a flight of steps leads us up the high bank surrounding the oxbow, giving us a panoramic view of the village. The breathtaking view rewards us for our journey, giving us a unique opportunity to contemplate Arena Po from another perspective.
Along the Rile drain: towards the river bank
To get even closer to the heart of nature, we walk along the Rile drainage following a downhill path on our right. This stretch takes us down to the river Po, allowing us to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of this natural environment.
A memorable return
Returning along the same route allows us to relive the emotions and discoveries of our journey, thus completing an unforgettable experience. "camminandoinoltrepo" guided us through Arena Po, revealing its artistic wealth and deep connection with the surrounding nature.
In conclusion, Arena Po presents itself as a hidden gem of the Oltrepò Pavese, where art and nature blend harmoniously to create a unique experience. Thanks to routes like this, we can appreciate the beauty of places that often escape our attention, enriching our lives with discovery and admiration for the world around us. Enjoy your walk!
