The Oltrepò Pavese is one of the most touristic, welcoming and historically rich areas of the province of Pavia. One example is Borgo Priolo, an enchanting place that fascinates visitors with its castles, wine cellars and many agritourisms, as well as offering breathtaking views.
History
Borgio Priolo has a rich and fascinating history. The commune was formed in 1928 by the merger of the ancient communes of Torre del Monte and Staghiglione, but the town itself has even older roots. In fact, it is mentioned for the first time in 1250, in the list of lands of the Oltrepò Pavese, under the name of Burgum Pirrioli cum Monte Santa Marie.
What to see
The town lies in the valley of the Coppa stream, in a landscape that varies from the plains between Monte Ceresino and Torre del Monte, to the hills covered with vineyards, and then to the highest peaks, such as Monte Reale, which rises to 489 metres.
Besides the characteristic historical centre, there are several places of interest to visit in the area.
The parish church dedicated to San Carlo is an important landmark for the local community and a place of great artistic and historical value for its architecture and the frescoes that adorn its walls.
At Torre del Monte, in the Cappelletta locality, is the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Guardia, a place of devotion and a small oasis of tranquillity and spirituality.
The Castle of Stefanago is another fascinating attraction. This ancient aristocratic residence, belonging to the Malaspina and Dal Verme families, is rich in history and offers evidence of the area's medieval past. Its tower, built on a square sandstone plan in the 11th century, is the oldest and most visible part of the castle today.
In the hamlet of Torrazzetta is the 'Villa-Castello di Torrazzetta', an ancient noble residence, also visited by Napoleon III in 1859. The main building consists of a quadrangular tower, to which the 17th-century noble chapel and the sumptuous manor house, the construction of which was completed in the second half of the 19th century, lean against.
Staghiglione and the brasadè
At Staghiglione, every Easter Monday, the Sagra del Brasadè (Brasadè Festival) is held, small doughnuts of 19th-century origin prepared with flour, sugar, butter and lard, dipped in boiling water and then browned in wood-fired ovens. These doughnuts are then tied with a string into necklaces traditionally made with eleven brasadè each: five brasadè with the flat side facing the same direction and five facing the opposite direction. The eleventh brazade is used as a clasp and the ends of the string are tied to it. In the past, young girls wore them around their necks, like a pretty necklace.
Visit to the cellars
The Borgo Priolo wine cellars deserve special mention, as they produce some of the best wines in the Oltrepò Pavese area. Lovers of good drinking can enjoy tastings and guided tours, immersing themselves in the area's wine culture. The cosy atmosphere of the cellars, with the intense perfume of aged wine and the art of winemaking handed down from generation to generation, creates an unforgettable experience for wine lovers.
Relax in an agritourism
A stop at one of the agritourism in the area is an opportunity to immerse yourself in rural life, enjoy the surrounding nature and savour genuine local products. Staying on an agritourism means experiencing an authentic holiday, where you can relax and regenerate away from the stress of everyday life.
The panoramas of Borgo Priolo
Breathtaking panoramas are one of the main attractions. The rolling hills and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an enchanting landscape that enchants the eyes of anyone who admires it. The sunsets here are particularly striking, an explosion of colours that makes moments spent in Borgo Priolo truly unforgettable.
