The municipality of Zenevredo is located in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, not far from the plains, on the right bank of the Versa stream. The village of Zenevredo is characterized by a predominantly hilly landscape, typical of the Lower Po Valley. The toponym, as Cenevretum, first appears in the list of lands of the Pavia countryside from 1250, as part of the Oltrepò. Zenevredo appears in the list of declarations of the hearth tax in the Principality of Pavia for the year 1537, as part of the rural Congregation of Oltrepò and Siccomario. The prefect of the Marengo department, according to the law of the 28th day of the rainy year VIII (February 1800), appoints the mayors and their assistants of the municipality of Zenevredo with a decree of 23 Fruttidoro year IX (September 1801). Zenevredo is included in the Marengo department and the Voghera district (Campana decree 1801). In the first pratile year X (May 1802), the prefect of the Marengo department decrees the appointment of 10 municipal councilors, who are to remain in office for three years (Campana decree 1802). In 1805, due to the restructuring of the Ligurian-Piedmontese administration desired by Napoleon Bonaparte, Zenevredo, by decree of June 13, 1805, was merged into the department of Genoa, Voghera district (decree 1805, ASC Casei Gerola). In 1859, with a population of 372 inhabitants, Zenevredo became part of the province of Pavia and was included in the IX district of Montù Beccaria, Voghera district (decree 1859). Upon the formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, the municipality had a resident population of 385 inhabitants (Census 1861). According to the 1865 municipal organization law, the municipality was governed by a mayor, a council, and a board. Following the reform of the municipal organization in 1946, the municipality of Zenevredo continued to be governed by a mayor, a council, and a board. Source: https://www.visitoltrepo.com

O Oliva Gessi is a small municipality with 162 inhabitants, located in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, between Casteggio and Montalto Pavese, near the Rile San Zeno and Verzate streams. The second part of its name comes from the gypsum deposits, historically exploited and situated in the locality of Gessi. Oliva Gessi is home to the M. Defilippi Theatre, which, with its 100 seats in relation to its 175 inhabitants, can be considered one of the largest in Europe. The local parish church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. Inside, there is a statue of Luigi Versiglia, a Salesian bishop and martyr who was killed in China in 1930 and canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II. In front of the church entrance, the "Path of the Martyrs" (Salita dei Martiri) was erected in honor of Saint Luigi Versiglia and Saint Callistus Caravario. In the center of Oliva, there stands a castle that the Isimbardi family transformed into a noble residence in the first half of the 19th century. THE CASTLE The castle has a quadrilateral layout, with a central courtyard and a large carriage entrance on the eastern side. A high wall encloses the castle on three sides, and the existence of a tower is hypothesized due to a protrusion on the northern side. These structures have undergone several modifications over time, eventually forming the quadrilateral complex that still stands at the highest point of the small village. Today, the castle is privately owned.Since 1999, the Antica Corte has hosted opera and symphonic concerts as part of the Ultrapadum Festival. BIRTHPLACE OF SAINT LUIGI VERSIGLIA Personal belongings, memorabilia from his life in China, photographs, documents, and other artifacts are carefully preserved for both religious pilgrims and general visitors. SOURCE: www.borghiecastelli.eu PHOTO: Piermaria Greppi Scotti  

A Santa Giuletta Originally inhabited by Ligurian and Gallic tribes, later home to a Roman settlement, Santa Giuletta boasts an ancient winemaking tradition. Documents dating back to around the year 1000 describe it as one of the most vineyard-rich hill territories in Northern Italy. In 1879, researchers from the Botanical Garden of Pavia discovered one of the earliest outbreaks of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), a fungus of American origin that nearly wiped out Italy’s vineyards. Once part of the Feud of Broni (13th century), the area later came under the control of different noble families: the Beccarla in the 15th century, the Trotti and the Isimbardi in the 18th century. During the Kingdom of Savoy, it served as a district capital and, in more recent history, played a significant role in the Italian Resistance during World War II. What to See Santa Giuletta is home to several noteworthy landmarks: The Castle, located in the hamlet of the same name, sits atop a hill. Of the original 12th-century structure, only the underground cellars remain—once used as grim prisons. Today, the complex appears as an 18th-century neoclassical villa, extensively restored and currently undergoing further renovation under new ownership. The Castle Parish Church, also closed for restoration, was built in the 13th century and dedicated to Saint Julitta, a Greek martyr. It contains beautiful paintings in the Caravaggesque style. The Two Towers, one known as Sarolli-Griziotti, embody both romantic and Renaissance elements. A scenic road winds up from the town center on Via Emilia to the Castello hamlet, offering breathtaking views of the vast Po Valley on one side and the rolling hills and layered peaks of the Apennines on the other. Along this route, travelers pass historic vineyards and stunning organic wineries. Near the Castello hamlet, the Isimbardi-Vismara Castle and Parish Church stand out, with olive trees and thriving caper bushes growing on their southern slopes. The Doll and Toy Museum Once, the dolls of Santa Giuletta were famous worldwide. In the 1950s, newspapers ran extensive articles about this small town, entirely dedicated to designing and producing dolls with all their accessories. Nearly every household was involved in this craft, and around twenty factories employed about a thousand workers, not to mention the widespread network of subcontractors and home-based artisans across the region. It was a true local industry. Initially, the dolls were made of papier-mâché through a highly elaborate process and were primarily decorative pieces for newlyweds’ living rooms and sofas. Later, plastic replaced traditional materials, leading to innovations such as walking and talking dolls, followed by plush toys and other playthings. Today, this once-thriving industry has all but disappeared. To preserve this rich heritage, the Municipality of Santa Giuletta has curated a collection of dolls, toys, photographs, molds, tools, labels, and catalogs from the 1930s to the 1980s, now housed in a museum. The museum’s purpose extends beyond tourism to include cultural, historical, and educational initiatives. Over the years, workshops focused on artistic craftsmanship have been held, including one dedicated to doll-making. A new municipal library has been established alongside the museum, designed for exhibitions and research on dolls and local history. A highlight of the museum is its artisan workshop, where traditional papier-mâché dolls, modeled after pre-WWII designs, will be recreated. SOURCE: Municipality of Santa Giuletta

A stop along the Voghera-Varzi railway, which was active between 1931 and 1966 and has now been converted into a cycling and pedestrian path

Portalbera is a municipality in the Oltrepò Pavese, located at the point where the Po River receives the waters of the Versa stream. The earliest documented history of the village is marked by disputes over its possession between the Diocese of Piacenza and the Diocese of Pavia. As early as the 13th century, Portalbera had a ferry and a small river port, with docking facilities for river navigation. Two large poplar trees marked the port’s location— in the local dialect, the poplar is called "albra", which gave rise to the name Porto Albra (Port of the Poplars), later evolving into Portalbera. The presence of travelers is evidenced by the construction of a Pilgrims' Hospice in Portalbera—the first encountered along the Via Romea from France—founded in 1114 by Bishop Guido of Pavia, with the support of cardinals, bishops, and abbots from both Italy and France. Along with the pilgrims, merchants also traveled through the area: trade routes from nearby Piacenza to Genoa necessarily passed through Portalbera, highlighting its strategic importance. Until about seventy years ago, the Po River flowed right next to the village. In 1916, Portalbera still had its historic pontoon bridge over the river. However, following a flood, the bridge was swept away by the rising waters. It was later rebuilt further downstream, in Spessa Po, where the remains of the old pontoon bridge had settled. Portalbera's economy was historically based on river transport and trade. However, after World War II, the economic landscape changed significantly, as the town could no longer rely on its port and bridge, and the Portalberesi had never been significantly involved in agriculture. The bell tower of the Church of Maria Vergine Assunta, an 18th-century building, stands at 51 meters, making it the tallest in the Diocese of Tortona. Source: Municipality of Portalbera

A ghost town in the Oltrepò Pavese, on the border with the province of Piacenza

Villanterio is located in the eastern Basso Pavese, spanning both banks of the southern Lambro river, on the border with the province of Lodi.   The origins of Villanterio date back to Roman times, but it was during the Middle Ages that the village gained strategic importance. Dominated for centuries by various noble families, including the Visconti and Sforza, it still preserves traces of its past in its historic buildings. Among them, the Castle of Villanterio stands out, once a defensive fortress and now transformed into a private residence. Palazzo Rizzi was built between 1540 and 1547 by Giovanni Angelo Rizzi, chamber secretary of Duke Francesco II Sforza of Milan and chancellor of the Milanese secret council. In 1538, he acquired the feudal jurisdiction of Villanterio from Emperor Charles V's imperial chamber. At that time, the old castle was divided among several noble families, so Rizzi bought all the small portions of the castle from the various nobles. The main floor of the palace was internally divided into a large hall and five consecutive rooms. All the rooms were covered by lunette vaults adorned with frescoes, with an extraordinary pictorial cycle that also extended along the walls. The last of the Rizzi family left the palace to Count Galeazzo Attendolo Bolognini (1667). From that moment, the palace began to decline and was downgraded to a residence for tenant farmers. In 1876, the Municipality of Villanterio purchased it from the Bolognini family to use it as an elementary school, municipal offices, and accommodation for the town clerk. (Source: FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano).

Cervesina is located in the plains of Oltrepò Pavese, on the right bank of the Po River, near the confluence of the Staffora stream, just a few kilometers from Voghera. The Parish Church of San Lorenzo is one of the main places of worship in the town, housing precious works of art. The Castle of San Gaudenzio is an imposing structure that captivates visitors with its history and evocative appearance. Cervesina and San Gaudenzio were once two separate municipalities; during the Middle Ages, San Gaudenzio was more important, especially from a religious perspective, as it was the seat of a pleban church overseeing several surrounding villages. The Castle of San Gaudenzio, a historical oasis of Lombard heritage, has preserved the charm of the place and the sweetness of life through time. Its history is intertwined with the Visconti family and the fate of Pavia: it is a complex dating back to the 1400s that belonged to numerous noble families (the Beccaria, Taverna, and Trotti families) who passed down its grandeur. Originally a place for hospitality and rest, hosting balls, banquets, and celebrations, the castle has naturally retained this role as a splendid hotel full of charm. Inside the castle, you will find beautiful red and black marble fireplaces, furniture, portraits, and decorations dating from the 1500s to the 1700s. Adjacent to the castle is the ancient church dedicated to San Gaudenzio. What was once a place of delights for a few privileged individuals has today become a pleasant gathering spot for anyone looking to enjoy the subtle charm of the Oltrepò Pavese countryside, just a short distance from the bustling industrial cities. The idea of giving a new purpose and social utility to the remains of this glorious castle led to the creation of the Ristorante San Gaudenzio within the ancient fortress. Continuing this tradition, the castle offers a series of rooms and apartments, elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities. The sobriety, elegance, and harmony of the castle are reflected in the adjacent park-garden, which complements the 15th-century structure. The recently created garden has significant features of 17th-century design, representing a period of not only ideological transition but also stylistic change. The garden, once strictly geometric and Renaissance in style, is gradually transforming into a park, offering a sense of liberation and vitality. Tall trees, flowering shrubs, and fruit-bearing plants create the floral composition of this space. Conifers and broadleaf trees alternate, enhancing the visual appeal of the area. Statues, a pergola, and a temple contribute to the artistic elements of the park. Along the entrance to the castle and beside the old moat, imaginative flowerbeds offer an example of "Ars Topiaria."

B osnasco is a municipality with approximately 650 inhabitants in the province of Pavia. It is located on the hills of Oltrepò Pavese, at the edge of the plain, on the border with the province of Piacenza. The area has been known since the 12th century, when it was contested between Piacenza and Pavia, which had recently gained control over Oltrepò Pavese through an imperial diploma. By arbitration, the area was assigned to Pavia. Under the rule of the Beccaria family, it became part of the Arena Po estate, belonging to the branch of the family that took its name from Arena. This estate, in contrast with the Visconti family at the beginning of the 15th century, saw its main center confiscated but was able to retain Bosnasco until its extinction in 1695. Bosnasco was inherited by the Busca family and later passed on to the Bellisomi and Corsi di Nizza families, shortly before the end of feudalism in 1797. Viticulture, wine production, cellars, and the main food and wine resources are the primary industries of the municipality of Bosnasco. SOURCE: MUNICIPALITY OF BOSNASCOPHOTO: TENUTA SCARPA COLOMBI

Corvino San Quirico is a small municipality located in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, in the province of Pavia. With a population of fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, this village sits on a hill overlooking the surrounding plain, offering breathtaking views of the Lombard countryside. The town is known for its characteristic rural landscape, dotted with vineyards that produce some of the region's finest wines. Viticulture is one of the main economic resources of the area, and the local wineries are a point of reference for wine lovers. Named Corvino until May 20, 1871, it became Corvino San Quirico, taking the name of the patron saint of the parish church (Quirico was the son of Giulietta, who, along with him, was martyred in Greece in the 4th century AD). The toponym "Corvino" may reflect either a Latin or medieval personal name, Corvino. Scholars in the past interpreted it as a reference to M. Valerius Messala Corvino, who is believed to have had possessions in the area. Since 936, it was owned by the Monastery of San Salvatore in Pavia, having been donated by Emperor Otto. It later became part of the Casteggio fief, which was dismantled in 1470 and assigned to the Arcimboldi family. In 1504, it passed to the Mezzabarba family, who obtained the countship title in 1602. The territory of the municipality is nearly identical to that of the parish (with the exception of the Casa Chiodi hamlet). It is populated by various groups of houses stretching from the plain to the hilltops of Oltrepò Pavese. Source: Comune di Corvino San Quirico Photo: Edoardo Vaccaroli  

The municipality of Casei Gerola is located in the plains of the Oltrepò Pavese, on the border with the province of Alessandria, along the Curone stream, a few kilometers from its confluence with the Po River. In the surrounding area, the Parco Le Folaghe offers an ideal natural environment for hiking and outdoor activities. MONUMENTS AND PLACES OF INTEREST Insigne Collegiata San Giovanni Battista Church of San Sebastiano Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie di Sant'Agostino Church of San Guglielmo Castle Palazzotto del Carmagnola INSIGNE COLLEGIATA SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA: A MASTERPIECE OF ARCHITECTURE AND GOTIC ART The Insigne Collegiata San Giovanni Battista, one of the main examples of Gothic Lombard architecture in the region, was built between the 14th and 15th centuries and, in 1573, received the title of Insigne Collegiata. The facade, simple and imposing, features a gabled structure in brick, enhanced by two lateral buttresses. The 15th-century terracotta portal adds an elegant touch to the entrance. However, it is inside the church where its true beauty is revealed, with a series of highly valuable frescoes adorning its walls. A particularly important element is the Cappella Bottigella, built in 1450 at the will of the Bottigella family and decorated between 1462 and 1468. This sacred space, the heart of the church, houses a cycle of frescoes attributed to the Master of Casei, an anonymous artist who captured sacred scenes such as the Annunciation, the Deposition, the Coronation of the Virgin, the Eternal Father, and saints Mark and Luke. Above the polychrome terracotta altar, which unfortunately retains only part of the original structure, there is a fine terracotta anchor, probably made by craftsmen from the Certosa di Pavia. Among the most valuable works is the polychrome terracotta altarpiece, which depicts the commissioner Giovanni Matteo Bottigella, adding immense historical and artistic value to the chapel. Another Renaissance treasure is the Triptych of San Martino, located above the door leading to the Bottigella Chapel. Traditionally attributed to Cesare da Sesto, the triptych represents one of the most significant Renaissance masterpieces of the Oltrepò Pavese, with three paintings that capture attention for their perfection and beauty. Finally, in the right nave, there is a large fresco of the Battle of Lepanto, dated to the end of the 16th century, which completes the artistic journey of this extraordinary place of worship, making the Insigne Collegiata San Giovanni Battista a true treasure chest of artistic and historical gems.

Bressana Bottarone (Barsàna Butaron in Oltrepò Pavese dialect) is an Italian municipality with 3,552 inhabitants in the province of Pavia, Lombardy. It is located in the plain of Oltrepò Pavese, on the right bank of the Po River, near the confluence with the Coppa stream.It borders to the north with Cava Manara and Bastida Pancarana, to the east with Rea, Verrua Po, Pinarolo Po, and Robecco Pavese, and to the south with Casatisma and Castelletto di Branduzzo.The municipality is made up of three residential areas: Bressana, Argine, and Bottarone. In 1937, the Town Hall was built, providing a scenic backdrop to the long square, which has recently been renovated, transforming it into a pedestrian zone and a lively gathering point for the entire community. Along the Po River embankment, there is the locality of Cascina Bella, a group of farmhouses that until the 1950s were the center of the agricultural economy of the village. Bressana Bottarone is a very active municipality in terms of cultural, social, and community initiatives. It boasts a Public Library with multi-purpose spaces for adults and a youth room, containing approximately 7,000 volumes. Source: Municipality of Bressana Bottarone