The Lombard Ecomuseum “Il Grano in Erba” is a hidden gem of the Upper Oltrepò Pavese, where culture, nature, and traditions intertwine in the quiet of the mountains. It includes the municipalities of Santa Margherita Staffora, Menconico, Brallo di Pregola, and Romagnese—four villages nestled between Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Liguria. A borderland that has turned its geographical position into a strength, serving as a bridge between regions and gathering ancient customs, architecture, and knowledge.
A land that tells a story: between mills, trails, and farming traditions
The Ecomuseum “Il Grano in Erba” takes its name from a powerful symbol: the grain of wheat, which holds within it the memory of the past and the hope of the future. This cultural enhancement project aims to rediscover and protect the farming roots, rural identity, and unique landscapes of the Lombard Apennines.
Among its main attractions are the ancient mills, such as the Pellegro Mill in Casanova Staffora, the Spalla Mill in Menconico, and the Castana Mill in Romagnese. Today, these structures tell a story of hard work and ingenuity, of wheat being transformed into flour, and they stand as true monuments to peasant civilization.
The experience is enriched by ethnographic museums, where visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of the past, observing tools, furnishings, and habits that defined rural life in this area.
Experiences between nature and spirituality
Visitors to the Ecomuseum can also enjoy breathtaking nature trails and hiking routes. The Pietra Corva Alpine Garden, for example, hosts an extraordinary variety of botanical species, while the Monte Alpe Nature Reserve offers immersive trails through forests, scenic views, and biodiversity.
Among the most evocative routes are the historic Via del Sale, which once connected the plains to the sea, and the Brigands’ Path, a fascinating trail blending legend, nature, and historical memory.
The soul of the ecomuseum: community, culture, and sustainability
An ecomuseum is not just a physical place, but a living, open-air museum made of landscapes, villages, stories, and people. Its strength lies in the active involvement of the local community, which becomes the guardian and storyteller of its own land. The main goal is the sustainable development of the territory, with a focus on rural architecture, traditional craftsmanship, mountain agriculture, and collective memory.
Through exhibitions, events, themed trails, and workshops, the Ecomuseum “Il Grano in Erba” invites tourists, families, schools, and enthusiasts to discover an authentic and lesser-known Italy, where time seems to slow down and every corner tells a story.
