Broni

Broni, before becoming a winemaking center, was a stronghold of the Beccaria family, lords of Pavia, and has a long and eventful history. From the hill, you can admire a splendid panorama — on clear days, it is even possible to see as far as Milan. The Basilica of Saint Peter the Apostle preserves a remarkable collection of handwritten volumes and ancient sacred vestments.

Broni is home to the most important wine-producing company in the entire Oltrepò Pavese area and in Northwestern Italy. During the 2016 harvest alone, more than 429,000 quintals of grapes were processed.

Between the end of August and the first week of September, one of the oldest local events takes place — the traditional Grape Festival, a celebration of the area’s most prized product: wine.

A walk up to San Contardo Hill is also worthwhile. The path is marked by the twelve Stations of the Cross, created in 1996 in polychrome ceramic by the sculptor from Pavia, Angelo Grilli. At the top of the hill stands a small chapel dedicated to the patron saint, surrounded by blooming bushes of gentian and lavender.