Cigognola

Cigognola is visible from a long way away. The castle's tower dominates the valley and from the top of the hill it seems to be welcoming visitors. On especially clear days you can see the Alpine mountain valleys and the Mt. Rosa massif.

The town boasts one of the most beautiful castles in the Oltrepò Pavese area, built by the Sannazzaro family around the 12th century to guard the Scuropasso Valley and the trade routes of the nearby plain. Having lost its defensive function, the Castle of Cigognola was gradually transformed into an elegant aristocratic residence and, at the beginning of the 19th century, extensively restored and remodeled in Neo-Gothic style.

In keeping with the Romantic revival of the Middle Ages, the imposing square tower and Ghibelline battlements were erected, while the portals were adorned with coats of arms and elegant terracotta decorations. Some external portions of the ancient fortress remained almost unchanged. The valuable furnishings date back to the early 20th century; later, the castle became home to a literary salon frequented by renowned poets and intellectuals.

For a refreshing walk amid lush greenery, the Park of Remembrance (Parco delle Rimembranze) is worth visiting. Shaded by centuries-old horse chestnuts and cedars of Lebanon, it offers sweeping views stretching as far as the Alpine arc and Mount Rosa. At the heart of the park stands the monument dedicated to the Fallen of the two World Wars.