Codevilla

The village of Codevilla stands near the point where the Staffora stream opens out into the plain, and its history is closely linked to that of the hamlet of Mondondone, where a defensive outpost of the fortress of Codevilla once stood — of which only a few, yet fascinating, remains survive today. Mondondone served as the municipal seat until the early 16th century and was partly owned by the Pavia Monastery of Santa Maria and Sant’Aureliano, known as “del Senatore.”

The surrounding landscape is remarkably beautiful: on the hills overlooking the hamlets of Mondondone and Piana stretch dense woodlands of broad-leaved trees — oaks, robinias, and chestnuts.

Also noteworthy is the Sanctuary of Pontasso, which, according to local legend, was founded by a Lombard warrior named Asso. During the siege of Pavia, he had ventured into the Oltrepò woods to hunt. Lost among the thick vegetation, he vowed to build a chapel if he managed to find his way back. At that very moment, a lady appeared and guided him safely out of the forest.