Menconico is a small mountain jewel of the Oltrepò Pavese. It lies in the valley of the Aronchio stream, a tributary of the Staffora river, at the foot of Mount Penice. Situated at over 700 metres above sea level, it boasts a unique food and wine tradition thanks to the treasure hidden in its woods: the truffle.
The high altitude and sunny location are ideal for the production of the prized black summer truffle. And every year, on the first Sunday in September, the local community gathers around this delicacy with a great festival that attracts enthusiasts and the curious. During the event, in addition to tasting dishes based on the precious truffle, it is possible to take part in guided tours of the woods, where expert truffle hunters reveal the secrets of this fascinating activity, or take part in the amateur truffle hunting competition with dogs.
History and nobility of the Malaspina land
The history of Menconico is closely linked to that of the surrounding municipalities and to that of the Malaspina family, one of the most influential noble families of the time. Since its foundation in 1164, Menconico has been an integral part of the Malaspina Marquisate. Over the centuries, the Malaspina family was divided into several branches, each of which ruled over specific areas of the marquisate. Menconico belonged to the branch of Spino Fiorito and, among the branches that arose from it, to that of the Malaspina di Varzi.
After the division of the feud of Varzi, Menconico passed to Pietrino Dal Verme and in the 15th century it became the so-called "terziere di Menconico". Later it was given as a feud to the Sforza family of S. Fiora.
An immersion in history and traditions
The small village has a medieval layout, dominated by the parish church dedicated to St George, built in 1136. Beneath the church is an ancient stone gallery, once the main passageway on the road from Menconico to Monte Penice. Today the gallery houses the "Museum of mountain farming and local traditions". Objects and testimonies illustrate the daily life of mountain farmers, ancient customs and practices such as cheese-making.
One of the most emblematic places, a symbol of the ancient art of farming, is the Spalla Mill, today a true historical testimony of the municipality. Situated on the right bank of the Aronchio stream, this water mill dates back to the first half of the 19th century and functioned for an entire century, playing a fundamental role in the processing of cereals and local livestock. Today it is a symbol of the old peasant art: from the manual cultivation of the fields, to the milling of the grains, to the livestock farming. It will become a museum.
The Mount Alpe Nature Reserve
The Monte Alpe SIC is a protected area that embraces the upper Staffora Valley and extends in the vicinity of Monte Penice. With an altitude ranging from 762 metres just above the village of Collegio to 1254 metres on Monte Alpe, this extraordinary natural site extends mostly in the municipality of Menconico and a small part in the municipalities of Varzi and Romagnese. It is a true refuge of uncontaminated nature, of great value for the plant and animal species that populate it.
What to see nearby
Near Menconico, on the top of Mount Penice (1460 m), is the ancient sanctuary of Santa Maria, founded in the early Middle Ages. The sanctuary and the top of the mountain are a destination for hikers and riders. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Trebbia and Staffora valleys. On a clear day you can also see the snow-capped Alps.
On the border of the territory of Menconico, in the village of Casa Piazza, there is the Oratory of Santa Maria di Banzolo, once a hospice for pilgrims.
The area between Piedmont, Liguria and Emilia, with a climate softened by the proximity of the sea, is famous among gourmets for its formaggella, also called "Molana del Brallo" because of the tenderness of its paste. It is quite small and has a delicate flavour.
