For those who love to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, or for lonely souls with binoculars in hand, here is a tour of the giant benches of Alto Oltrepò Pavese. Thanks to an idea by Chris Bangle, which began in 2010 in the town of Clavesana, in the province of Cuneo, there is now a fever for big benches everywhere, outsized benches that rekindle in us the wonder of childhood to look at the beauty of the landscape with new eyes. Sitting on a bench, legs dangling in the air and gazing at the breathtaking views of the Alto Oltrepò Pavese.
Giant benches have the power to give us a completely new perspective on the world around us. They all have their own uniqueness and charm. And they are all strategically placed, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Each one is an invitation to sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
They have become true tourist attractions, places where people stop to rest and take photographs. They are symbols of a different way of experiencing the landscape, where art and nature come together in an indissoluble embrace.
The enchantment of Montalto Pavese from the great bench n. 161
In the enchanting surroundings of Montalto Pavese, at the Belvedere Madonna del Vento, you will come across large bench no. 161. Imposing and captivating, this bench is characterised by its bright yellow colour and its steel and oak structure, a perfect blend of modernity and nature.
To reach this marvel, simply follow the route indicated by a silent guide: a yellow bicycle.
The area where the Big Bench is located has long since become a tourist attraction and a must for Big Bench enthusiasts.
The giant bench no. 170 overlooking the Penice
Also in Romagnese, near the hamlet of Grazzi, a huge bench in bright red stands out. Next to it, a wooden pin, picturesque and suggestive, seems to be an artistic inspiration. This is giant bench number 170, with a spectacular view of the Penice and the fiery red colour shining through the surrounding green.
A tribute to history and beauty: the Big Bench of Zavattarello
A symbol of the link between history and landscape, here the Big Bench n. 263, in Zavattarello. Its colours, blue and white, recall the colours of the noble Dal Verme family, whose ties with the village are deeply rooted and symbolised by a beautiful castle. To reach the giant bench, you can walk along the cycle-pedestrian path that links the hamlet of Crociglia to the town centre. A path designed to be accessible to all, including the most vulnerable categories. From the huge bench you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Oltrepò hills, which stretch as far as the eye can see. The Dal Verme Castle, with its grandeur and millenary history, dominates the panorama.
The oasis of peace in Colli Verdi is at the Zanolo house
A Colli Verdi The giant bench is green and is located at Casa Zanolo, at an altitude of 620 metres. It is the highest point in the hamlet of Ruino, from which you can see a large part of the entire territory belonging to the municipality of Colli Verdi in Oltrepò Pavese. The Bench, number 279, is located near the provincial road 201 that from Stradella arrives at Zavattarello, near the Carmine Pass. Its elevated position gives this bench a unique atmosphere and the feeling of being above the world, in a place where time seems to stand still. Simply magical.
