The municipality of Godiasco Salice Terme, located in the Oltrepò Pavese within the green Staffora Valley - where the middle Apennines meet the Po Valley - boasts ancient origins, with traces of human settlement dating back to the Ligurian era and archaeological findings presumably from the Bronze Age.

During the Middle Ages, its position along the historic Via del Sale made it a strategic hub for trade between Liguria and Lombardy.

In 1164, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa assigned the land to Marquis Obizzo Malaspina, marking the beginning of centuries of Malaspina rule, which profoundly shaped the territory’s history.

The village’s past is marked by dramatic and significant events. In 1512, for example, the future Pope Giovanni de’ Medici (later Pope Leo X), after being freed from French captivity, found refuge in Godiasco; for having sheltered him, the local lord - the Marquis - was condemned and executed.

Over the centuries, Godiasco has preserved many traces of its past: alleys, towers, walls, and noble residences - all “words” in the long story it has to tell.

What to see: the village, towers, alleys, and historic palaces

Visitors will find a village that still retains its medieval charm. A portion of the 13th-century walls is still visible, with two surviving towers - one in Via del Castello and another in Via della Cerchia - built in stone and river pebbles, decorated with a brick band.

The narrow streets in the historic center - such as Via dei Fabbri, Via dei Conciatori, Via del Boscaiolo, Via del Mulino, and Via del Forno - recall the ancient crafts and trades that once animated the medieval village.

Among the most notable buildings is Palazzo Malaspina, featuring an elegant sandstone portal supported by two caryatids and a porticoed courtyard with a 17th-century well topped by a statue.

The surrounding area also offers interesting sights, including the hamlet of Monte Alfeo - with its small square and chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin - and the Church of San Giovanni Piumesana in the hamlet of the same name.

Godiasco is a village to be explored on foot, wandering through alleys, “ariane” (narrow passages between houses), stairways, and picturesque corners - an immersive experience in the atmosphere and history of bygone times.

Salice Terme: wellness, thermal waters, and nature

The best-known and most visited part of the municipality is Salice Terme, a spa town nestled in nature at about 167 meters above sea level, on the first Apennine hills between San Bartolomeo and Nazzano, on the left bank of the Staffora stream.

The thermal waters of Salice originate from underground marine basins and sulfur springs. These are sodium-chloride, bromide, iodine, and sulfur-rich waters, with high mineralization and therapeutic properties - beneficial for rheumatic, dermatological, respiratory conditions, and overall well-being.

The historical spa park, with its centuries-old trees and shaded pathways, is a vast green oasis ideal for relaxation, walks, and outdoor activities.

The area is also crossed by the Greenway Voghera Varzi, a nature trail for walking and cycling that follows the Staffora stream and connects the valley’s villages - an ideal way to explore the landscape of the Oltrepò Pavese.

In the hills above Salice Terme, in areas such as Alta Collina, lavender fields bloom every year between late June and early July, transforming the landscape into a fragrant purple expanse - an unmissable attraction for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking scenic walks.

Salice offers excellent facilities for outdoor sports and leisure: swimming pools, tennis courts, a golf course, and areas for horse riding or archery.

Why visit

Thermal wellness: Salice Terme is one of the Oltrepò Pavese’s leading spa destinations, offering mineral-rich waters and a large green park - perfect for visitors looking for relaxation, health, and rejuvenation.

The spa complex is currently undergoing renovation. The redevelopment project - promoted by Regione Lombardia, the Province, and the Municipality - aims to restore Salice Terme to its role as the “thermal capital” of the Province of Pavia. With new infrastructure, improved accessibility, and enhanced park and environmental areas, Salice is expected to shine again in the near future.

The location in the Pavia Apennines, the Staffora Valley, the rolling hills, and the surrounding hamlets make the area ideal for excursions, trekking, leisurely walks, and relaxation.

Accessibility: About 60 km from Milan, easily reachable by car (A7 or A21 motorway exits) or by train and bus from Milan and Voghera - making it an excellent destination for a day trip.