Between history and art: from Valcuvia man to erratic boulders

A balcony over Upper Lombardy, from which to admire a romantic sunset

Pizzighettone is an extremely interesting village with very peculiar characteristics. Thanks to its natural position it seems similar to a town, crossed by a big river a defended by its walls. Till some years ago the walls were entirely covered by the grass but then, thanks to the involvement of an Association called Gruppo Volontari Mura ,the walls were restored. Now it is possible to visit them.The guided tour generally starts from the external ditch. The area, which in the past was occupied by the Serio Morto’s water, is nowadays a nice garden where you can go for a walk or participate to some shows or concerts. The walls of Pizzighettone are particularly interesting because, inside of them, it is possible to organize some events and exhibitions.

An ancient town in the province of Varese on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore.

Several testimonies of a past rich in history, all to discover

A Renaissance Gem in the Heart of Lomellina

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).

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.

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  

Ecomuseum is the union of past, present and future of community history

Cultural itinerary in middle Valtellina

Every stone tells a story from a different period at Castello di Breno. A short walk from the centre of the village will take you to the walls of the fortress, which has looked out over the Valle Camonica for centuries. On the ascent, you will enjoy panoramic views that prepare you for the wonder that awaits you at the top.    The castle preserves traces of ancient history, from the fort of the early mediaeval period to the elegant conglomeration of tower-houses and palazzos, a mix of buildings dating back to between the 12th and 16th centuries. Walking around the crenellated walls, the courtyard and the towers, it is possible to feel the evolution of a place built century by century, and where every building has a different purpose and history. The openings in the wall once served to watch over the valley, while views of the towers convey something of the daily life and strategic function of the stronghold. Sights not to be missed include: the mediaeval church of San Michele, the oldest monument in Breno; the two-storey, noble tower house, and the 20-metre tower (open to visitors), with stunning views that cover the whole valley.  Every corner tells a story of the ladies, knights, servants and craftsmen, soldiers and lords who lived here, and whose presence continues to live on in the courtyards. Today, Castello di Breno is still a place of fun and culture: the large green spaces offer quiet spots for relaxation, while musical events, historic re-enactments, and archery competitions all bring the area to life. Visiting the castle is an opportunity to admire panoramic views in an experience that combines nature with culture, for a first-hand experience of local history.