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A fortress of natural, cultural, food and wine and historical riches hidden in every corner of the Oltrepò pavese, this area has locations whose charm knows how to excite and involve. Let us begin with an overview and then take a closer look, individually, at the stages of this territory.
The Oltrepò pavese encompasses an unspoilt area of natural and historical beauty. Small realities that have been able to keep intact the ancient traditions, enhancing and promoting them both from a tourist and cultural point of view.
The name given to this area of Lombardy derives from the simple fact that it lies south of the river Po, in a territory wedged between Emilia-Romagna, with the province of Piacenza to the east, the Tortonese area in the province of Alessandria to the west, while in the southernmost part it borders on Liguria.
In addition to the unique charm of the castles, village palaces and breathtaking views, coming to know the Oltrepò pavese means discovering a universe of flavours and tastes dictated by tradition, capable of satisfying even the most demanding palates and that can be savoured in the countless restaurants, trattorias and wine cellars that dot the territory.
There are so many places worth visiting. If this is your first time in the area, there are at least ten stops not to be missed to organise your trip:
- Zavattarello Castle: this is an imposing stone fortress that dominates the town of Zavattarello and the surrounding territory, from an elevated position it offers a breathtaking view. The castle has been entirely restored and can be visited on guided tours; today it hosts numerous events and is an ideal location for weddings.
- Romagnese : a small village located in the mountainous part of the province of Pavia, is a real treasure to be discovered. In a natural setting of great beauty, the village manages to fit in harmoniously, with its houses that seem to climb along the massif around the ancient medieval castle.
- The Hermitage of Sant‘Alberto di Butrio: a place of solitude, silence and prayer, the Hermitage of Sant‘Alberto stands on a rocky relief at an altitude of almost 700 metres, immersed in nature in the heart of the Oltrepò pavese, a true oasis of peace and tranquillity, rich in history and works that narrate it.
- The Casteggio Archaeological Museum: founded in the mid-1970s by a group of local enthusiasts and the municipal administration after the important discovery of two Roman tombs, since then - year after year - it has continued to grow until today with four sections dedicated to: geology and palaeontology; prehistory and protohistory; the Roman, medieval and baroque ages; and finally a rich collection of objects donated by private citizens.
- Fortunago: this is a village nestled amidst the luxuriant nature of the Oltrepò Pavese and is one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy‘. Fortunago is the perfect place to set out to discover the Oltrepò pavese, strolling through its enchanted woods, but it is also a place where it is possible to experience atmospheres that have long been forgotten.
- Branduzzo Castle: located in the hamlet of the same name in Castello di Branduzzo, one of the most famous buildings of the Oltrepò pavese stands here. Today only a few traces remain, but it remains an important symbol of the rich past of these lands.
- Varzi: represents a medieval jewel where time seems to have remained suspended. There are many ancient monuments that tell the long and complex history of this place, also listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy‘. One of the world‘s best-known salami is produced in this village, whose tradition and quality is able to produce what everyone knows as ‘salame di Varzi‘.
- Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory Ca‘ del Monte: we are talking about a structure capable of combining culture, science and popularisation and that represents one of the most popular places for visitors to these lands, a real journey towards infinity and beyond without ever leaving the Oltrepò pavese.
- Montalto pavese: situated in a dominant position above the hills of Casteggio. Its splendid 16th-century castle surrounded by its four towers with its Italian-style gardens and its wine production make it to all intents and purposes the ‘Queen of the Oltrepò pavese‘.
- The Monte Alpe Nature Reserve: this is an authentic unspoilt oasis just a few minutes‘ drive from the heart of the city. This place has a high environmental and naturalistic value; inside there are over eight hundred hectares of chestnut groves alternating with meadows separating black pine, Scots pine and larch forests. Ideal for walks in the shade of the trees to discover an important reality of the Oltrepò pavese.
