Welcome to a new appointment with «camminandoinoltrepo», the social page dedicated to promoting and disseminating the paths of the Oltrepò Pavese. Today we will take you on a fascinating hike along the historic Quinta Strada di Pietra de‘ Giorgi. Get ready to immerse yourself in a 9.5-kilometre route, lasting about 2 hours and 20 minutes, which will offer you breathtaking views and a unique experience in contact with nature.
Our walk begins at the cemetery car park in the hamlet of Castagnara. Here, at the edge of the quiet village, is the entrance to the Quinta Strada, a dirt road that leads us on a gentle up and downhill walk among the vineyards, a typical scenery of the Oltrepò Pavese. The stillness of these places, interrupted only by birdsong and the rustle of the wind through the leaves, envelops us and accompanies us on the first steps of our journey.
The route takes us to the crossroads of Località Cinque Strade, where we turn right onto Strada Isimbarda. The dirt road winds its way through cultivated fields, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills. At the first fork, we turn right again, following the signs for Cà dei Ratti.
This section of the route allows us to cross the Fraccia locality and skirt the grove of Monte Campone and Monte Zavo, giving us unique views of Pietra dè Giorgi, with its imposing castle and expanses of vineyards.
We continue as far as Località Travaglina, where we turn right as if to enter the farm in the area. We keep to the cart track for 360 metres, then descend to the right for 340 metres along the Cà del Pozzo road. This section of the route is particularly suggestive, with its glimpses of the rural landscape and the tranquillity that characterises it.
We reach the road for Pizzolo and continue to the right, crossing a small cluster of houses. We return to a dirt road, pass a barrier and a small stream, then turn left twice, beginning a descent that leads us to the ruined Casa del Gallo. This ancient building, now abandoned, adds a touch of mystery to our hike.
We cross the Rile di Redavalle by turning left and climb the first path through the vineyards on our right. This part of the route takes us through a small wooded oasis, which we skirt, keeping the greenery on our right. Continuing the ascent, we reach Località Calcababbio, where the path returns to asphalt.
From Calcababbio, we continue to Località Quadrivio and, turning right, return to Castagnara. Before concluding our excursion, a visit to the parish church dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption is a must. This church, with its busts from the late Roman period and an even older tombstone affixed to the outer walls, represents a true historical and artistic treasure of the area.
The car park of the cemetery, the starting point of our walk, is now a short distance away. We thus conclude our walk, enriched by the natural and cultural beauties discovered along the way.
The Quinta Strada di Pietra de‘ Giorgi offers an excursion of medium difficulty, suitable for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Oltrepò Pavese. Among vineyards, woods and ancient buildings, every step is an invitation to discover the wonders of this unique territory. ‘camminandoinoltrepo’ invites you to follow this route, to enjoy the tranquillity of its landscapes and to share your experiences and emotions with us.
Happy walking to all!
