The thousand-year history of Oltrepò Pavese dates back to Roman times, when the area was part of Gallia Cisalpina. Thanks to its strategic position between the Po Valley and Liguria, Oltrepò Pavese became an important transit area. The ancient Romans recognised the agricultural potential of the area, characterised by fertile soil and the presence of numerous watercourses, and exploited it to develop agriculture and livestock farming.
During the Roman period, towns and villages were founded that still bear witness to the rich history of the Oltrepò Pavese. These include Veleia, now Zavattarello, Iria (Voghera) and Clastidium, now Casteggio.
During the Second Punic War, Oltrepò Pavese was crossed by the troops of the legendary leader Hannibal. The Carthaginian commander was trying to reach the city of Piacenza with his army and war elephants to launch an attack against the Romans.
From the Longobards to the Malaspina, from the Visconti to the Sforza
Over the centuries, the Oltrepò Pavese area has seen various dominations and conflicts, including Longobard domination, Carolingian domination and that of local feudal lords. These included the great marquisate of the Malaspina, which was formed by imperial enfeoffment by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1164. In 1359 it fell, together with Pavia, under the domination of the Visconti of Milan, followed by the Sforza.
During the Middle Ages, the area developed thanks to the cultivation of vines and the commercial activity linked to the production of wine, which became one of its most characteristic products.
Noble battles in Oltrepò Pavese
During the Renaissance, the Oltrepò Pavese was at the centre of struggles between the noble families of the area, including the Doria and Fieschi, the Malaspina and the dal Verme. The Malaspina family, originally from Lunigiana, extended their dominion in the 13th century to Oltrepò Pavese, where they founded the castles of Oramala and Varzi. The Malaspina family exercised a strong control over the region until the end of the 14th century, when the Sforza family took power in the Duchy of Milan. The Dal Verme family, originally from Verona, settled in Oltrepò Pavese in the 15th century, when they acquired the castle of Bobbio. The Dal Verme family exercised a strong control over the area for about two centuries, thanks to their diplomatic skills and their ability to unite other noble families in the area. Over the centuries, other noble families such as the Scotti, Landi and Visconti have contributed to the history and development of the Oltrepò.
The Renaissance and the Napoleonic era: economic development
During the Napoleonic era, Oltrepò Pavese became part of the Cisalpine Republic and then of the Kingdom of Italy, undergoing a series of administrative and territorial changes. During the 19th century, thanks to the development of infrastructures, the area experienced considerable economic growth, thanks also to the development of wine production.
Between resistance and rebirth
During the Second World War, Oltrepò Pavese found itself at the centre of crucial events linked to the resistance against Nazi-Fascist occupation. The territory was the scene of important combat episodes and guerrilla actions by partisans fighting to free the area from oppression. This fight for freedom was not without consequences and the Oltrepò Pavese suffered heavy bombardment that caused destruction and suffering.
Despite the difficulties faced during the conflict, the end of the war brought with it new hope and the possibility of rebirth. The Oltrepò Pavese rose from the rubble, embarking on a phase of economic development that would change the face of the territory.
History and treasures of an area
Today it remains an area rich in history, culture and traditions, best known for the Salame di Varzi and the production of fine wines such as Barbera, Bonarda and Pinot Noir. But it is also known for its castles, churches, abbeys and medieval villages, and the possibility of immersing oneself in the beauty of nature while also discovering the area's excellent food and wine.
