Easter and Easter Monday 2026

Easter weekend 2026 is the ideal opportunity to discover the province of Pavia, among art, nature and authentic flavors. An essential starting point is a visit to the Certosa di Pavia, one of the most fascinating monastic complexes in Italy. Founded in the 14th century, it is striking for the richness of its Renaissance façade and ornate interiors, offering an experience of great historical and spiritual value. For Easter Monday, the Monumental Complex of the Certosa di Pavia can be visited: we recommend purchasing tickets in advance on the Italian Museums website.

After the Certosa, you can continue to the historic center of Pavia, strolling through its squares and monuments, or choose a more naturalistic itinerary along the Ticino River, also ideal for cycling or hiking.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the hilly landscapes, Oltrepò Pavese offers itineraries among vineyards and scenic villages, with the possibility of winery tastings and typical lunches. The hills are particularly evocative in spring, when nature awakens and gives intense colors and scents.

Another stop not to be missed is Lomellina, land of rice fields and castles. This flat territory, crossed by irrigation ditches and canals, guards a fascinating historical heritage: among the best known is the Castello Sforzesco in Vigevano, among the largest fortified complexes in Europe, overlooking the splendid Piazza Ducale. Alongside this, numerous villages preserve towers, manor houses and historic residences that tell of the area's medieval and Renaissance past, offering evocative itineraries between culture and landscape.

There is no shortage of proposals for families, including agritourisms, educational farms and outdoor trails, perfect for spending moments of relaxation.

The Easter weekend thus becomes a complete experience, able to combine culture, food and wine and landscape in one of the most authentic territories of Lombardy.

From April 3 to 6, 2026, the area comes alive with events ranging from religious tradition and folk festival, nature and culture, outdoor adventure and authentic flavors. Whether you're a family with children, a lover of medieval castles, a hiker or simply looking for a trip out of town, the Pavia area and its three souls - Oltrepò, Lomellina and Pavese - have something to offer everyone.

Here's a guide to the events not to be missed during Easter and Easter Monday 2026 in the province of Pavia.

Easter at Zavattarello Castle (April 3-6, 2026)

A postcard-perfect medieval village in the upper Oltrepò Pavese

For the entire Easter weekend, from Easter Friday to Easter Monday, Zavattarello's Dal Verme Castle opens its doors to visitors. We are in the heart of the upper Oltrepò Pavese region, where this village is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and dominates the scene with its imposing medieval fortress, built between the 13th and 14th centuries on a rocky spur overlooking the entire valley.

Visiting the Dal Verme Castle during Easter means walking through historic courtyards, frescoed rooms, walls more than four meters thick, cells, cellars and the patrol walkway open to the public, from which there are spectacular views of the Apennine countryside. Tours are guided, departing daily until 4 p.m. (last tour at 3 p.m.). For information: castello@zavattarello.org or +39 339 537 0214.

Around the village there are also numerous trails through woods and hills, perfect for those who want to combine history and nature during the weekend.

Where: Piazza Dal Verme, Zavattarello (PV)

Sagra della Bozzola in Garlasco (April 5-6, 2026)

The great festival between the sacred and the profane in Lomellina

One of the most anticipated events in the entire province, the Sagra della Bozzola is a centuries-old event that combines spirituality and popular celebration in Lomellina. Every year, on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Bozzola in Garlasco attracts tens of thousands of people: faithful, curious and families from all over Lomellina and the province of Pavia.

The origins of the event date back to 1465, when the Virgin Mary appeared to the young shepherdess Maria Benedetta on a hawthorn bush - called "busla" in Lomellina dialect, later italianized to "bozzola" - giving her back the gift of speech. From that miraculous apparition was born the shrine, now one of the most revered places of Marian worship in Lombardy.

At the same time as the religious services-with masses taking place throughout the day and the solemn Pontifical opening of the Easter festival on Easter Sunday at 4 p.m.-the event features more than 150 stalls with handicrafts, gifts and food, funfair for young and old, and refreshment stands with local specialties. To reach the Bozzola there are organized parking lots with thousands of spaces, managed by Civil Defense volunteers.

Where: Piazzale Santuario, 1 - Frazione Bozzola, Garlasco (PV)

Easter and Easter at the Civic Museums of Pavia - Visconti Castle (April 3-6, 2026)

Art and history in the imposing fortress of the Visconti

During the Easter Bridge, the Civic Museums of the Visconti Castle of Pavia remain open to the public, offering an opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating medieval mansions in Lombardy. Built in 1360 at the behest of Galeazzo II Visconti, the castle was the seat of a cultured and refined court, more ducal palace than military fortress.

The collections housed range from archaeology to medieval and Renaissance sculpture, from painting to the Museum of the Risorgimento, with exhibits that tell the story of Pavia and its territory from Roman times to the 19th century. A recommended visit for those who want to combine culture and architectural beauty during the holidays.

Where: Viale XI Febbraio 35, Pavia

Trekking on Guardamonte Island - Cecima (April 4, 2026)

A guided hike among fossils, forests and Apennine views

For those who want to experience Easter Saturday in contact with nature, the Calyx association proposes a guided trek on the "Island" of Guardamonte, one of the most striking naturalistic itineraries of the ridges on the border between the Staffora and Curone Valleys, in the deepest and wildest Oltrepò Pavese.

The meeting is set for 2 p.m. at the parking lot of Ca' del Monte Resort in Cecima (Strada del Monte, 1). The route-about 6 km with 150 meters of elevation gain and a duration of about two and a half hours, including stops-will wind through oak and chestnut forests, fossiliferous sites that testify that this area was an ancient seabed, and the summit of Mount Vallassa, where there is an important archaeological site with remains of a Ligurian castelliere. The view of the Staffora Valley and the upper Apennines from that natural terrace more than repays the climb.

The route is rated E (hiking) and requires good physical condition and shoes with lug soles. Along the way it is possible to spot wildlife - deer, badgers, foxes and wolf tracks - as well as birds of prey flying over the ridges. Participation fee is 15 euros per person (2026 membership card included). Places limited to 25 participants; reservations required by contacting calyxturismo@gmail.com or +39 349 556 7762.

Where: Ca' del Monte Resort, Strada del Monte 1, Cecima (PV)

Junior Fantasy Day at Belgioioso Castle (April 6, 2026)

Harry Potter and magic for the little ones, within the walls of a castle in Pavia

On Angel Monday, Belgioioso Castle transforms into a fantasy kingdom entirely dedicated to children. On April 6, 2026, the first edition of Fantasy Junior Day debuts, an event inspired by the imagery of Harry Potter, open to children ages 6 to 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the outdoor courtyards of the municipally owned castle.

Themed animations, costumed characters, interactive activities, a themed market and a food area will welcome young visitors to a fairy-tale setting. The event is created by the same organizers of the celebrated Belgioioso Magical Days (2016-2019), which in the past brought more than 3,500 costumed children to the castle grounds. This junior edition, however, is designed exclusively for younger children, in a safe and engaging space.

The ticket is priced at 20 euros for children; admission for the accompanying parent is free. Reservations are strongly recommended given the high anticipation for the event. For information: www.eventimagiciefantastici.it 

Where: Outer Courtyards of Belgioioso Castle, Belgioioso (PV)

Easter Grillathon in Castana (April 6, 2026)

Grilled meats, live music and good Oltrepò wine

Castana is a small hillside village in the Oltrepò Pavese area, known for its wines and vineyard landscape, and on Easter Monday it comes alive with one of the most anticipated festivals of the season. Starting at 12:30 p.m., the "La Buca" Municipal Party Park hosts the Easter Monday Grillathon organized by the Pro Loco Castana: grilled meats, first courses, local wines, craft beer, cocktails and a festive atmosphere in the open air.

In the afternoon, Tears of Angels, a cover band specializing in 80s hard rock, take the stage, while from 5 p.m. DJ Cic accompanies the festivities with music to dance to. For those who enjoy healthy competition, beerpong tournaments (2vs2 format), friendly matches, giant chess and an egg hunt for children, with inflatable included, are scheduled.

Table reservations are mandatory given the limited availability of seats. To reserve: Federico at +39 333 801 8955 or Philip at +39 335 658 5503 (also via WhatsApp). In case of bad weather, the event may be postponed or canceled; updates on Pro Loco Castana's social channels.

Where: "La Buca" Municipal Festival Park, Castana (PV)

Alagna Spring Fair (April 6, 2026)

The 39th edition of the Angel Monday agricultural fair in Lomellina

In the heart of Lomellina, the village of Alagna celebrates Angel Monday with its historic Spring Fair, now in its 39th edition in 2026. Established as an agricultural event rooted in Lomellina's farming tradition, the fair confirms its identity with displays of livestock and animals, local agricultural products - rice, cured meats, seeds -, vintage machinery and modern equipment.

Beside its rural soul, the event has opened up over time to various merchandise sectors, with stalls of spring flowers and plants, handicrafts and gastronomic products, making the day suitable for families, agricultural history enthusiasts and the simply curious who want to experience Easter in the name of Lomellina traditions.

Where: Alagna (PV), Lomellina

Fiera dell'Angelo in Santa Maria della Versa

The traditional Fiera dell'Angelo returns to enliven the streets of Santa Maria della Versa on Monday, April 6, 2026, offering a perfect opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere of Easter Monday among taste, music and entertainment.

The great protagonist will also be the cuisine, with a gastronomic offer linked to tradition: tortelli di magro, shin with mashed potatoes, sandwiches with cooked salami, chips and homemade desserts, ideal for a convivial lunch in the open air.

Where: Santa Maria della Versa (PV), Oltrepò Pavese