Verde Castle

Verde Castle stands in the hamlet of Valverde, in the municipality of Colli Verdi in the province of Pavia, in a panoramic position overlooking the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese and the Po Valley plain. Its thousand-year history and the surrounding landscape make it a fascinating destination for lovers of history, nature and hiking.

An 11th-Century Stronghold

The origins of the castle date back to the 11th century, when the area — mentioned in documents as the “Corte di Verde” — belonged to the Abbey of San Colombano in Bobbio. It later came under the control of the Bishops of Bobbio, the Municipality of Piacenza and important local noble families such as the Landi, the Malaspina and the Dal Verme. During the Middle Ages, it served as an important refuge and stronghold of the Guelph faction, a role that remains part of the area’s historical identity.

Today, evocative ruins of the castle remain, including the base of a cylindrical sandstone tower and other structural remnants that suggest its defensive function. These ruins form a unique panoramic viewpoint from which visitors can admire the surrounding valleys and understand the strategic role this fortification once played in medieval times.

Nature and Biodiversity: The Verde Castle Park

The castle is set within the Verde Castle Park, a protected area of about 40 hectares characterized by mixed woodlands, meadows and nature trails. The park is known for its rich biodiversity: oak and hornbeam trees grow alongside numerous shrub species, while wildlife such as squirrels, foxes, roe deer and various birds of prey inhabit the woods.

Within the park is also the Butterfly Garden, an area dedicated to the conservation and observation of local butterfly species. Created in collaboration with the University of Pavia, the garden allows visitors to observe butterflies in the wild within their natural habitat. It is a particularly appreciated attraction for families and nature enthusiasts.

Hiking, Views and Outdoor Activities

The trails winding around the castle offer routes suitable for hikers of different experience levels, with panoramic views over the Tidone and Nizza valleys. Walking these paths allows visitors to combine a visit to the historic site with outdoor activities such as butterfly watching, birdwatching and nature-themed walks.

Throughout the year, the area also hosts initiatives focused on discovering natural environments, including woodland explorations and seasonal nature trails, offering an immersive experience in the landscapes of the Oltrepò Pavese.

Why Visit

Verde Castle is not only a symbol of the medieval past of the Oltrepò Pavese, but also a place where history, environment and landscape come together in a rich and engaging experience. The views over the hills, encounters with wildlife and the discovery of the Butterfly Garden make a visit meaningful both for those who love historical heritage and for those who seek a close connection with nature.

How to Reach Verde Castle

Verde Castle stands on the top of a hill in Valverde, a hamlet of the municipality of Colli Verdi (province of Pavia), in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese between the Tidone and Nizza valleys.

By car from Pavia or Voghera

• From Voghera: follow the SS 461 “del Penice” road towards Varzi as far as Ponte Nizza. Then turn left onto SP 7 and follow signs for Valverde for about 13 km. Turn right onto the local road towards Casa Andrini and the Verde Castle Park.

• From the A21 motorway (Turin–Piacenza): exit at Voghera, then continue towards Varzi and Valverde.

Hiking Routes and Walks

The Verde Castle Park is crossed by a network of hiking trails connecting the castle with the surrounding woods, offering routes for different levels of experience.

1) Panoramic Walk to the Castle
From Valverde, visitors can follow a nature trail that gradually climbs toward the hilltop where the castle ruins stand. The path crosses oak and hornbeam woods and typical Oltrepò vegetation, offering panoramic views over the Tidone Valley and the Po Valley plain.

2) Verde Castle – Oramala Castle Loop (Circular Route)
More experienced hikers can combine a visit to Verde Castle with Oramala Castle on a circular route of about 17 km along forest roads and mule tracks in the Pavia Apennines. This trail is classified as difficulty E (hiking level) and requires good stamina, but rewards walkers with striking views and the exploration of two ancient fortified sites.

Practical Tips for Hiking

• Equipment: trekking shoes or footwear with good grip are recommended, especially on steeper or unpaved sections.

• Duration: routes range from easy walks of a few hours to half-day hikes, depending on the chosen itinerary.

• Best time to visit: spring and autumn offer vivid colors and ideal temperatures for walking; in summer, the shade of the woods provides cool stretches even on the hottest days.