Romagnese

Romagnese preserves the features of a medieval village, although its origins are much older, as evidenced by archaeological finds of Roman origin. Much of its historical prominence is linked to the rise of the Dal Verme family.

The Dal Verme lineage governed these lands and built the 14th-century castle. Today, as a testament to its former splendor, two structures remain from the original complex: the tower and a sandstone building with a beautiful 19th-century portal.

In the municipality of Romagnese, at an altitude of 950 meters on the slopes of Monte Pietra di Corvo — a striking outcrop of dark volcanic rock — lies the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden. The garden was established to conserve and adapt mountain plants native not only to the Alps but also to other mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and the Andes. Thanks to the area’s unique microclimate, these species have adapted perfectly.

A small part of the Monte Alpe Nature Reserve (part of the Natura 2000 Network) also lies within the municipality of Romagnese, bordering the towns of Menconico and Varzi, and is managed by ERSAF – Regione Lombardia.

In the castle tower of Romagnese is located the Museum of the Lombard Apennines of the Four Provinces. The museum was created to preserve and showcase local traditions: it houses tools, implements, and machinery once used in the agricultural and artisanal life of the region.

The parish church, dedicated to Saint Lawrence, contains a painting attributed to Palma il Giovane and a distinctive wooden altar known as the “Rosary Altar.”

Among the many oratories surrounding the village, one worth visiting is the Oratory of Penicina, dedicated to the Madonna of Caravaggio. Its Pisan-style façade is built with alternating bands of brick and sandstone, while the pilasters date back to the 16th century.