The small village of Cegni is a timeless place, immune to passing fashions. This village, located in the heart of the Alto Oltrepò, at an altitude of about 800 metres, has managed to escape even the phenomenon of depopulation that afflicts many rural areas in Italy. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Bogleglio, this small hamlet of Santa Margherita Staffora is distinguished by the quality of life and the slow and peaceful pace of its inhabitants.
The village of Cegni conveys a profound sense of order and serenity, reflected in the stone houses and well-kept paths that criss-cross the village. The houses, with their exposed stone walls and sloping roofs, call to mind fairytale scenarios. It is no coincidence that the village is nicknamed ‘the little Switzerland of Pavia’, thanks to its typical mountain village architecture and the meticulous care taken over public and private spaces.
Cegni is especially renowned for two elements that are at the heart of its community life: the summer White Carnival and the Zanocco carpentry workshop. The White Carnival is a centuries-old tradition celebrated in summer, involving the entire community, keeping alive ancient customs and traditions.
Cegni‘s stone houses are adorned with flowers, with balconies and windowsills decorated in every season. This gives the village a neat and cosy appearance, inviting visitors to lose themselves in its narrow lanes. Walking through the narrow streets of the village, one breathes an air of tranquillity and well-being, accentuated by the view of the peaks of the Upper Staffora Valley surrounding the village.
Cegni represents an idyllic place that seems straight out of a catalogue of Alpine Switzerland. This village is a tangible expression of the care and love its inhabitants have for their territory. Every detail, from the maintenance of the houses to the cleaning of the paths, is the result of a collective effort to preserve and enhance the beauty of the place.
For those visiting Varzi, a diversion to Cegni is highly recommended. This small village offers a unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Here, time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in an environment where life flows slowly and community values are still at the centre of everything.
In conclusion, Cegni is not just a place to visit, but a living example of how dedication and love for one‘s land can create a timeless piece of paradise. The ‘little Switzerland’ of Pavia continues to enchant and inspire anyone lucky enough to discover it, representing a sustainable and authentic model of living that deserves to be known and appreciated.
