The Area

Oltrepò Pavese. The southern part of the province of Pavia south of the River Po is a magical territory dominated by gentle hills and green vines.

Whether you go there to eat or to enjoy the scenery, the Oltrepò Pavese offers delightful vistas and unique leisure experiences in keeping with tradition.
Oltrepò Pavese is the area south of the River Po in the province of Pavia.
Here the wine is an expression of the territory together with many villages and castles that confirm the identity of the territory.
Hectares of history, hectolitres of tradition:
In Oltrepò Pavese the cultivation of vines is a vocation by virtue of the soil and climate conditions of the territory, but the beauty of the scenery is also due to the great enhancement of the territory, a mission for the local inhabitants.

Why Oltrepò?

That's why there are so many things to do and see in the Oltrepò Pavese.
In this region there are many villages and castles, the heritage of the feudal history of strategic territory, but not only that. In Oltrepò Pavese scenery and tradition meet in places of natural interest and in the most popular wellness destinations.
There is no escape in the name of relaxation that does not involve the discovery of local flavors.
In Oltrepò Pavese, genuine gastronomic tradition is an expression of the territory:
Typical products of the Oltrepò pavese include Varzi salame, cotechino, coppa and mostarda di Voghera.

The Food

At the table, a good meal includes agnolotti pavesi (local ravioli), mixed boiled meats, and a hillside cheese, perhaps Nisso di Menconico. Voghera peppers are used to prepare an exquisite risotto and do not forget that the Oltrepò Pavese is also famous for chestnuts, mushrooms, and truffles.
Finally, the most representative sweets are doughnuts (brasadè) and Voghera "soup".

The Wine

Among the excellences of the Oltrepò Pavese territory, there are obviously wines. The Consortium for the protection of Oltrepò Pavese wines protects and supports the production of the fine DOC and DOCG wines of the third-largest Italian DOC area, as well as the first wine-growing region in Lombardy.

Classic method, careful oenological practices, wineries that make the most of the grapes and the territory: the DOC denomination includes thirty-six different types of wine, each unique in structure, bouquet, and characteristics.
The eastern area of Oltrepò Pavese is known for the cultivation of the most important black grapes, therefore Barbera and Bonarda. If this is the area of enviable red wines, white wines emerge in the upper Valle Versa and upper Valle Scuropasso: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Italian Riesling, Moscato; the grapes that produce still white wines expression of the territory are grown towards the bottom of the valley, at a lower altitude.

Varzi

Varzi stands in the centre of the Staffora Valley, in the province of Pavia, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese.
A visit to the medieval town centre is like going back in time:
eight centuries of history documented in the architectural traces of its churches, towers and castle. Via del mercato is believed to be the original part of the town that, rebuilt and modified over the centuries, is currently flanked by a double row of arcades built from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Over time, it became the site where the weekly market was held. Another characteristic street is via della Maiolica, which runs along the base of the defence walls. Be sure to note the unique building that protrudes from the wall, where slits were made for firing weapons.

Vicolo Dietro le Mura is an authentic tunnel located above the medieval defensive walls, surmounted by a continuous series of homes, which can be accessed from Via Porta Nuova. The shapes of the walls, the windows on the south-facing arcade and the wooden doors with their posts constitute genuine works of rustic medieval art. Via di Dentro, between the two towers – Torre di Porta Sottana and Torre di Porta Soprana that was elevated in the 19th century to build the structure for the clock bells – has always been the hub of the village. Through the centuries, this street has been lined with the village's most important offices, where the most important families have lived, where the announcements of the communal or feudal government were made and where public auctions took place.

On the south side of the street stands the 17th-century Chiesa dei Rossi church, which was founded by the Brotherhood of the Holy Trinity, and next to it, the hospice for pilgrims.

The church known as the Chiesa dei Bianchi is located on the north side of village. Built in 1646 by the Confraternity of the Gonfalone, this oratory is unique for its interior built in the shape of four-leaf clover, to imitate the great cathedrals. In addition to the Town Hall (formerly known as Palazzo Tamburelli) another interesting and unique landmark is the Malaspina Palace and Tower (of the Witches), built in the 12th century and gradually expanded and transformed up to the 18th century.

This imposing 13th century tower is referred to "of the witches" since twenty-five women and various men accused of witchcraft were imprisoned there during the Inquisition in 1464, who were later burned in the nearby square. The square known as piazza della Fiera is the centre of village life, where you can sit in the shade of the trees of the public gardens or in one of the many venues that open onto the large open space. Those who love to taste the local specialties should be sure to sample the salami of Varzi, renowned throughout the world.

Mountain Community

The Oltrepò Pavese Mountain Community extends in the south-western position of Lombardy and involves those hilly and mountainous areas wedged between Piedmont and Emilia. The territory occupies a total area of 474.34 sq km. According to the subdivisions by "agrarian regions", i.e. by groupings of contiguous Municipalities which present the same natural (geology, climate, relief ...) and agricultural (current and potential crops) conditions, made by the Central Institute of Statistics (Istat)