In the enchanting setting of the eastern Oltrepò Pavese, between the Valle Versa and Valle Scuropasso, stands a small jewel of history and tradition: Castana. Surrounded by gentle hills covered in vineyards, this ancient medieval village offers visitors an immersion in the history and culture of a territory that has been able to preserve its natural and architectural heritage.
The name ‘Castana’ is etymologically linked to the term ‘castanea’, indicating the chestnut tree or chestnut forest, an important resource for the local populations. However, the history of Castana goes back a long way. The 19th-century historian Severino Capsoni reported the existence of a Roman settlement in the area, called ‘ad Castaneam’, which already indicated the presence of an inhabited place.
One of the most important symbols of the village is undoubtedly its medieval castle, which dominates the entire valley from above. Built by the monks of San Bartolomeo, the castle had a crucial strategic position in the political and military affairs of the region. In the 12th century, Frederick Barbarossa took it away from Piacenza to give it to Pavia, marking the beginning of a period of alternating dominations.
Over the centuries, Castana came under the control of various noble families. From the Beccaria feud, with the death of Pietro Beccaria in 1531, the estate was inherited by the Borromeo family. The latter were the family that erected the oratory dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo in the castle. After them, the castle was owned by the Arrigoni, the Pallavicino, the Pessina and finally Baron De Ghislanzoni.
Of the original structure of the castle, only the lower part and a few sections of the eastern boundary wall remain today, as much of the building was rebuilt in the 18th century. It was converted into a stately home by the Pallavicino Triulzi family, as evidenced by a plaque walled in the castle. Despite these changes, the interior still retains valuable elements such as brick barrel vaults and decorated coffered ceilings. Although currently a private residence, the castle continues to fascinate with its history and panoramic location.
In addition to its historical heritage, Castana is also known for its production of excellent wines, the result of a long winemaking tradition. The hills surrounding the village are in fact covered with vineyards from which fine wines such as Barbera, Bonarda, Buttafuoco, Sangue di Giuda, Pinot and Riesling are produced.
Of these, Buttafuoco is the most characteristic and rare product. This robust, full-bodied red wine comes from a very restricted wine-growing area that includes Castana and a few other municipalities in the Oltrepò Pavese. The unique combination of exposure, microclimate and soil gives Buttafuoco a distinctive character, making it a wine particularly sought after by connoisseurs.
The name ‘Buttafuoco’ dates back to at least 1861, when it appeared in official notary deeds. This wine represents one of the area‘s excellences, a symbol of a wine culture that has been handed down from generation to generation.
Strolling through the hamlets and scattered blocks of Castana means immersing oneself in a timeless atmosphere, where rural traditions and medieval history coexist harmoniously. In addition to the castle and church, it is also worth visiting the Town Hall, dating back to 1880, another example of the village‘s glorious past.
