Discover the legendary history of Voghera, a town on the 45th parallel, considered the centre of the world. Between myth and reality, the Duomo holds traces of an ancient divine compass.
In the heart of Lombardy, Voghera, a town in the province of Pavia, holds one of the most fascinating legends in local history: it is said to be the centre of the world. According to this tradition, the Creator himself is said to have used an immense compass to draw the boundaries of the Earth, placing the point in the very square of Voghera Cathedral. This story, which has fascinated the people of Voghera and beyond for centuries, continues to be handed down from generation to generation, interweaving myth and reality.
The Compass Stone: Testimony to the Legend
Legend has it that, in Piazza Duomo, until the 1930s, there was a large round granite stone with a hole in the centre, considered to be the tangible sign left by the Creator when he pointed the compasses to draw the world. This hole would have been the exact point where the tip of the divine instrument was located, making Voghera the fulcrum of the Earth.
According to the Voghera writer Alessandro Maragliano, one of the main custodians of this legend, the cathedral forecourt represented the perfect centre of the world. However, following subsequent restorations, the stone was removed and incorporated into the wall of the south entrance of the basilica, where it still lies today, hidden from view but not from the hearts of citizens.
Voghera on the 45th Parallel: Between Geography and Mythology
In addition to the legend, a geographical fact gives Voghera an additional fascination: its exact location on the 45th parallel north, an imaginary line that crosses the town and places it perfectly halfway between the North Pole and theEquator, 5000 kilometres away from both. Over time, this unique position has fuelled the idea that Voghera is a symbolic and geographical centre of the world, a place that holds a centrality that is as concrete as it is mythical.
Many other cities in the world cross the 45th parallel, but Voghera has turned this into an essential part of its identity, linking it to a cosmic narrative that goes beyond mere cartography.
The Legend of Voghera: A Cultural Heritage
The legend that Voghera is the centre of the world is not just a folk tale, but a true symbol of thetown‘s pride. Every town has its stories, but few can boast of being designated as the centre of the world, at least according to ancient tradition.
This tale, handed down from generation to generation, represents a deep bond between the town and its inhabitants. The compass stone, now hidden from view, remains a living and fascinating memory, testimony to a history that makes this town in the Pavia province unique.
Conclusion
The legend of Voghera as the centre of the world is a testimony to the cultural and mythological richness of this Oltrepò Pavese town. Whether one believes this story or not, it is undeniable that the myth of the divine compass and the presence of the 45° parallel make Voghera a special place, capable of fascinating not only its inhabitants but also anyone who decides to visit.
Through its legends, its monuments and its unique geographic location, Voghera invites you to discover a world where history, myth and geography merge into an extraordinary tale, capable of making every visit a unique and evocative experience.
