Pavia

The Lomellina area, near the right bank of the River Ticino, is characterised by rice paddies. The Pavese area is defined by the city of Pavia; a city rich in art, history and culture, famous for its university, its splendid covered bridge and the Certosa monastery and church. Finally, there is the Oltrepò area that begins as flatlands and then, after crossing the River Po, climbs up the valleys dotted with vineyards and castles until it ends in the thick woodlands of the Pavese Apennines on the border of Emilia Romagna. Here visitors can see the symphony of colour decorating the slopes and their vineyards which produce the area’s fine DOC wines. From red to fizzy spumante – each local wine perfectly accompanies the local dishes which take inspiration from the cuisine of neighbouring areas and fuse them with the local food. Generations of people have enjoyed these dishes while climbing the “salt trail” along which precious salt was carried from the sea inland. Including the Romans, the Ostrogoths and the Lombards whose court attracted countless intellectuals. Dante Alighieri was a guest of the Malaspina family in the Oramala Castle and St. Alberto of Butrio and the pilgrims, found comfort and solace in the silence and solitude of the Apennine forests.
Pavia promises visitors a holiday, rich in history and culture as well opportunities to tour the surrounding countryside and sample delicious local cuisine.