Located in the heart of southern Lombardy, Oltrepò Pavese is a fascinating land that tells a thousand-year history. This territory, with its rolling hills and lush vineyards, has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, giving rise to a wealth of traditions that can still be felt today.
Oltrepò Pavese has its roots in Roman times, when it was part of Gallia Cisalpina. Its strategic position made it an important transit point, favouring trade and agricultural development. Ancient towns such as Iria (today Voghera) and Clastidium (today Casteggio) flourished thanks to the fertile soil and abundant water, becoming vital centres of social and economic life.
A memorable episode from that time is the passage of Hannibal, the famous Carthaginian leader, who passed through these lands with his army and legendary elephants, seeking to conquer Italy. The history of this territory is permeated with adventures and legends that continue to enchant those who venture here.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Oltrepò became a battleground for various powers, from the Lombards to the Franks, until it was disputed by local feudal lords. Among them, the Malaspina family played a prominent role, receiving the marquisate from Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in the 12th century. The imposing fortresses they built, such as the castles of Oramala and Varzi, are today fascinating evidence of the power that once dominated these lands.
In the 14th century, the region came under the control of the Visconti family, followed by the Sforza family. This period of domination not only brought political stability, but also contributed to a flourishing economic development, particularly in the wine sector. The hills of the Oltrepò, already known for their wine production, became renowned throughout Italy.
During the Renaissance, the Oltrepò Pavese became a stage for battles between nobles. The Doria, Fieschi, Malaspina and dal Verme families vied for power, giving rise to intrigues and alliances that marked the history of the region. The castles that dot the landscape bear witness to these battles and tell stories of honour and betrayal.
Despite the turbulence, this period also saw considerable economic development. Wine production became more and more established, and the wines of the Oltrepò began to win the hearts (and palates) of many.
With the arrival of Napoleon, Oltrepò Pavese became part of the Cisalpine Republic and later the Kingdom of Italy. This period led to important administrative and infrastructural reforms that favoured the economic growth of the region. Viticulture continued to flourish, with a quality of wine that attracted attention even beyond national borders.
Although the noble families lost some of their power, they played an important role in supporting and promoting local economic activities, thus contributing to the modernisation of the region.
During the Second World War, Oltrepò Pavese became an important centre of resistance against the Nazi-Fascist occupation. The hills and mountains of the area offered shelter to partisans, who bravely opposed the occupying forces. Clashes and guerrilla actions deeply marked the life of the community, but the determination of these men and women led to liberation and rebirth.
Today, Oltrepò Pavese is one of Italy‘s main wine regions, famous for the quality of its wines and the beauty of its landscapes. It is a fascinating destination for those seeking not only a journey through time, but also an authentic experience of flavours, culture and beauty. Come and discover the Oltrepò Pavese: a land that knows how to excite and surprise.
