Cecima stands atop a plateau ridge, recognizable by its ancient church rising among the trees. The village has preserved its original medieval appearance, characterized by numerous architectural testimonies. The settlement is traversed by a maze of narrow alleys that intertwine, creating picturesque glimpses. The internal streets are paved with pebbles from the Staffora stream, the same material used for the exposed stone walls of many buildings. Of particular artistic interest are the bastions of the ancient walls, of which only a few ruins remain. Visible traces include the Porta Soprana, demolished in 1936, the now-filled moat, and the castle that once stood at the southwestern end of the village. In the square of the churchyard stands the Parish Church of Saints Martin and Lazarus, rebuilt near the previous 12th-century church, which collapsed due to minor landslides in the early 15th century. It was reconstructed in 1460 in a beautiful late Gothic Lombard style through the patronage of Cardinal Jacopo Ammannati Piccolomini, Bishop of Pavia. However, due to similar geological issues, structural damage appeared over time, leading the Superintendence to order its demolition for safety reasons. The façade, however, was entirely preserved and, thanks to careful restoration work, remains visible in all its splendor today. Inside the church, visitors can admire a precious 15th-century wooden polyptych. The church stands on a magnificent open space, acting as a natural balcony that, with a 200-meter drop, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Penice, Mount Boglelio, and the Staffora stream. Within the municipal territory lies part of the vast Guardamonte Castelliere, a pre-Roman settlement discovered in 1951 on the ridge between Val Curone and Val Staffora. This significant urban structure has yielded numerous archaeological finds, including artifacts and household items. Photo: Alessandro Vecchi - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0  

The Sanctuary of the Passion, surrounded by the Chapels of the Stations of the Cross, is built on a volcanic rock spur.

A small, authentic village in the province of Pavia, dominated by a castle and with a passion for art and archery.

Mortara has earned the title of the homeland of the world's finest "Salame d’Oca" over the decades.

One cannot leave Lake Como without visiting its "pearl" and "diamond": Bellagio and Varenna.

Rediscover the pleasure of a relaxing and exploratory stroll among the Art Nouveau villas and medieval palaces

Infopoint ARS Val di Scalve

Spring sees the tulips in bloom at Castello di Malpaga, an imposing 14th-century castle that owes its historic memory to the feats of condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni.   Located in the municipality of Cavernago, province of Bergamo, the castle overlooks an expanse of 300 hectares of farmland in the River Serio Park  and inside, the mediaeval porticoes and courtyards are full of flowers.  Malpaga Castle is surrounded by a crenellated wall with a tower that stands high above the green valley around it, against a backdrop of mountains. An enchanting location with an atmosphere of chivalric stories, which welcomes visitors all year round for lovely experiences, such as the Cena delle Streghe (witches’ dinner) and nature explorations in an historic setting.  These include, in March and April, a welcome to spring with “Tulips at the Castle”, an initiative where you can pick some of the 200,000 tulips at Malpaga. Visitors can stroll among the colourful scented flowers, celebrating spring with tulip picking and other creative initiatives, including workshops, relaxation sessions and lunch at the bistro with views of the flowers.  Find out more at the official website of Malpaga Castle.    

1 or 2 hours private cruise - 6 passengers max

In the heart of the Upper Town, cross Piazza Mercato del Fieno to find a marvellous example of Medieval conventual architecture, filled with hidden treasures: the arch cloister, the well cloister and the capitol room will unveil, with their cycle of wall paintings completed between the 14th and the 17th century, the long history of this amazing building.