Fortunago is a village with timeless charm. Surrounded by chestnut forests, this ancient Celtic settlement set on a hill offers spectacular views. Its privileged position has helped make it one the most beautiful villages in Italy,a must-see destination for those who love history, nature and architecture.
An Italian Switzerland
While walking through its cobbled streets, it is impossible not to be captivated by the authentic beauty of Fortunago. The typical stone houses seem to be the guardians of ancient stories handed down over the centuries and the local architecture, with attention to every detail, creates almost a fairytale atmosphere.
The care for greenery is another element that makes Fortunago a real gem. Every corner of the village is adorned with colourful plants and flowers. In an almost perfect order.
Fortunago is a place where time seems to slow down, a journey through time and an opportunity to regenerate and rediscover the pleasure of small things. Let yourself also be delighted by the restaurants and trattorias in the area that offer traditional cuisine.
History and treasures
Mentioned in numerous medieval documents under the name of Furtinagum, the village experienced complicated feudal vicissitudes that began with Oberto, Marquis of Liguria, in the 10th century and ended with Gerolamo Riario da Forlì in the 15th century.
In 1546 the Riarios sold the feud to Cesare Malaspina, who kept it until the end of feudalism.
Its location on the top of a hill made it an ideal site for the construction of a castle, of which only a keep and some traces of walls remain today. From the top of the hill, the 17th-century church of San Giorgio, where the relics of San Ponzo are kept, and the Town Hall, which was built from a 14th-century fortified house, 'guard' the village.
In the lower part of Fortunago there is the small church of Sant'Antonio, a 17th-century oratory, and a little further on, in the square of via Roma, there is a refreshment point with the fountain of San Ponzo, the patron saint of the village, which, according to tradition, is linked to a miracle. According to the legend, Ponzo arrived in Fortunago and became the servant of a local farmer. Here, with his stick, he made water flow for the oxen he was taking to pasture.
Breathtaking forests and landscapes
On a plateau 600 metres high, between the Ardivestra valley and the town, lies the Fortunago Local Park: about 400 hectares of protected woodland with maples, poplars, birches, chestnuts, cherries and many other trees typical of high mountain forests. A true wonder. The panoramic paths through the woods invite you to take exciting walks or bike rides in unspoilt nature.
Traditions
Fortunago is also a town with a rich gastronomic tradition, with two unmissable events. On the last Saturday in July, its streets come alive for the 'schita', a festival that revolves around the ancient focaccia, an integral part of the poor peasant cuisine. The 'schita' is an energetic dish that was once used to give farmers the strength they needed to work in the fields. Prepared with simple ingredients, it is a true symbol of the local culinary identity and must be accompanied by the prestigious salami and the sweet coppe and pancetta of Oltrepò Pavese. Then, on 14 August, it is time for the "Paciada". This is a special occasion to feast on malfatti, herb gnocchi with the De.Co. mark. They are served with tomato and mushroom sauce, meat ragout or, more simply, butter and sage.
