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From Santa Maria della Neve to Santa Sofia
On Saturday, 24 October 2026, Torre d’Isola, in the province of Pavia, will host a guided walking tour exploring two places of historical and artistic interest: the Church of Santa Maria della Neve and the small Church of Santa Sofia. Organised by the FAI Giovani group of Pavia, the itinerary offers visitors the opportunity to discover the history, architecture and traditions of an area where religious buildings and the surrounding landscape tell the story of centuries past.
Santa Maria della Neve: Architecture and Frescoes
The tour begins at the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, located at the entrance to Torre d’Isola, in Piazza della Libertà, next to the eighteenth-century Villa Botta Adorno.
During the visit, participants will learn about the history of the church, explore its architectural features and discover the frescoes that decorate its interior. The building provides an opportunity to appreciate the town’s historical and artistic heritage and its close connection with the local community.
The Small Church of Santa Sofia and the Legend of Charlemagne
The second stop is the small Church of Santa Sofia, a place associated with a tradition rooted in the distant past.
According to local tradition, the church was built at the behest of Charlemagne during the siege of the city. This fascinating account offers an opportunity to explore the historical events and local memories that have been passed down through generations in the Pavia area.
By visiting Santa Maria della Neve and Santa Sofia, participants will discover two buildings with distinct histories and characteristics, gaining a deeper understanding of the role religious sites have played in shaping local identity.
A Cultural Walk Through Torre d’Isola
This walking tour offers an opportunity to discover Torre d’Isola through a cultural experience dedicated to visitors interested in exploring the lesser-known heritage of the province of Pavia.
Combining history, architecture and local traditions, the itinerary highlights places that reflect the relationship between the community, the territory and the surrounding landscape. It is an invitation to look more closely at historic buildings and uncover the stories that contribute to the identity of the Pavia area's villages.
Event Information
The guided tour From Santa Maria della Neve to Santa Sofia will take place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at 3:00 pm. The meeting point is in front of the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, at Piazza della Libertà 4, Torre d’Isola, in the province of Pavia.
Participation costs €7 for FAI members and €10 for non-members. Visitors aged 18 to 35 can also join FAI on site with a special introductory membership fee of €15, with renewals available at the same price.
Advance booking is mandatory through the official FAI booking portal.
For further information, email pavia@faigiovani.fondoambiente.it.
Online booking: https://faiprenotazioni.fondoambiente.it/evento/da-santa-maria-della-neve-a-santa-sofia-64452
