In the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, where nature reigns supreme and landscapes enchant the gaze of anyone who ventures there, lies a hidden treasure: the Rio Rivarolo waterfalls. A natural jewel that invites us to explore its paths, to immerse ourselves in the wild beauty of the woods and to let ourselves be lulled by the roar of the water that, among jumps and waterfalls, accompanies us along an evocative and regenerating route.
Our journey begins in the charming village of Romagnese, where time seems to stand still amidst its ancient walls and winding alleys. From here, we head towards the sports field, the starting point of our itinerary. Here, we are greeted by the trail sign, a yellow and white signpost that will become our guide throughout the route.
Crossing the arches of an ancient bridge, we enter the dense woodland bordering the Rivarolo stream. Amidst the foliage of centuries-old trees, including beeches, downy oaks and hornbeams, we allow ourselves to be enveloped by the silence of nature and the melody of its streams. Along the way, waterfalls reveal themselves to our enchanted eyes: Mirei di Rocc, Mirei di Ghioss, Scaion d Massapè, each with its own unique and unspoilt beauty.
Continuing our route, we encounter the "Madonnina del Fosso" and the "Fontana del Gallo", places to stop and reflect immersed in the tranquillity of nature. Through increasingly open and panoramic spaces, we reach a suggestive belvedere that gives us a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
The climb reaches its climax along a dirt road leading to the "Faggi" (beech trees), as we descend towards the hamlet of Crotta. Here, alternating stretches of asphalt with signposted shortcuts, we pass through ancient villages and sacred places, such as the 11th-century Oratory of Totonenzo and the 16th-century Oratory of Villa Costa, silent witnesses to the history and tradition of these lands.
After crossing a small bridge and tackling a few climbs, we finally reach the centre of Romagnese, where we can take a well-deserved break to admire its monuments and refresh ourselves with a local drink.
We thus return to our starting point, our hearts full of emotions and our minds regenerated by the beauty of nature. An unforgettable experience that allowed us to discover another corner of paradise in the Oltrepò Pavese, a place where the wild beauty of nature combines with the history and tradition of ancient villages, giving us moments of pure magic and serenity.
Before embarking on the trail, make sure you are equipped with appropriate trekking shoes. Although the trail does not present any particular difficulties, it is always a good idea to approach it with caution, especially in the more challenging sections. At certain times of the year there may be fords to overcome, so it is advisable to enquire about the condition of the trail before setting off.
Happy walking, adventurers! And may the charm of the Oltrepò always accompany you on your journey.
