Thematic routes in Oltrepò Pavese

In an area such as that of Oltrepò, home to a great historical and artistic heritage and rich in breathtaking panoramic areas, cycle tourism is one of those activities that allows you both to practice sports surrounded by nature and to visit places full of culture. This is because it is possible to indulge in outings by bicycle on dedicated routes such as the Greenway, which connects the plain beyond the Po Valley to the Apennines. Starting from Voghera and arriving as far as Varzi, it crosses some of the most splendid villages and the surrounding countryside. Or, retrace the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia 2021 which took place right on our hills.
Practicing cycling in Oltrepò offers unique and exciting experiences. Don't miss them and find out what else this magnificent area has to offer.

During walks in the Oltrepò countryside, especially in spring, you can come across many flowers and plants, including medicinal ones. Some, with an intoxicating scent and enchanting appearance, can deceive us because they are not always harmless, especially if you plan to use them in the kitchen.
Dandelion, Wild Hops, Officinal Lavender, Rosehip are just some examples of edible plants which, in addition to being excellent for creating original dishes, have numerous beneficial functions that few know of.
On the contrary, there are many species that do not lend themselves to use in the culinary art, but they feast our eyes on their colors and their beauty.
Find out what there is to know about the plant world, which ones are edible and what properties they hide.

Among the many traditions of Oltrepò Pavese there is also that of honey. Honey became part of the history of the territory, initially that of Zavattarello, already in the nineteenth century thanks to Luigi Dal Verme and then, subsequently, spread to the surrounding areas.
There are many companies dedicated to its production, but not only, also of derivative products. With its unique flavor and excellent quality, Oltrepò honey is so important in the area that it has led to the creation of associations for its enhancement and a proposal for its appointment as a DOP.
Discover its history, the places where you can taste it at its best and visit the places where the ancient tools for processing are exhibited.

In an area rich in traditions and products such as Oltrepò, the musical aspect is not lacking. The Accordion of Stradella is the best known example of how a product of the territory, not tied to the earth, is known all over the world.

The Museum dedicated to it was born in 1997 with the aim of celebrating its origins and always remembering an important piece of history for Oltrepò Pavese, as well as being a way to introduce a particular musical instrument to all those who are passionate of music and who love to rediscover the territory in all its forms and facets.

Among the green hills, during the autumn flowering, it is also possible to see the lilac of the saffron flowers, a highly valuable crop that has now been rediscovered in the Oltrepò Pavese.
Our territory, thanks to the environment and favorable climate, is excellent for its cultivation and fits perfectly with the local culinary tradition. Its stigmas, in fact, give an original and, at the same time, pleasant flavor to the delicacies of our table, also giving a beneficial effect to our body.

Each territory can boast numerous typical and traditional products that are unique in their kind, in fact, there are some of them which have been given the title of "Municipal Denomination".
The De.Co. mark was born from a law, more precisely the Law n. 142 and is also a source of pride for many Municipalities in the Oltrepò Pavese area. It certifies that a specific product, be it food or artisanal, but also a specific recipe, are considered original and typical of the place.
There are many delicacies that boast this recognition, helping to enhance the places they come from and to guarantee their historical and cultural link with the territory. The "Miccone" of Stradella, the "Malfatti" of Fortunago, the potato of Brallo and the "Mundiöla" of Montesegale are just some of the examples of De.Co. that belong to and characterize the Oltrepò.
Discover other traditional products and which ones have this mark, where to find them and, in many cases, where to taste them.

One of the main features of Oltrepò Pavese is its hilly landscape largely dedicated to viticulture.
Few people know that this type of crop has very ancient roots in the history of our territory. It is thought that it even dates back to the times of the Greeks and the Etruscans and that it was they who spread it in the Po Valley. Over the centuries, the art of winemaking has established itself more and more in the Oltrepò area, making it, nowadays, one of the largest areas dedicated to grape cultivation.
The production of this region ranges from table wines to dessert wines, from young wines to aged wines which are the result of hard work and they delight us with their aroma and flavor.
If you also love wine, discover other curiosities about the viticultural origins of this spectacular area and where to taste it.