It's not everyone's cup of tea to be able to boast no less than four municipalities in a single area included in the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" tour. A record that Oltrepò Pavese has earned with no less than three places in the Mountain Community - Varzi, Zavattarello and Fortunago - and the fourth, Golferenzo, in Valle Versa. There is no better calling card for a land that deserves to be discovered.
Fortunago, a journey through time
Walking through the ancient lanes is already an emotion, an extraordinary journey through time. Among the luoghi places not to be missed are the tower, which represents what remains of the ancient fortress, together with a section of the walls. You can also visit the parish church from the second half of the 16th century and an Oratory dating back to the 17th century. Also noteworthy is the 17th-century Church of St George, which houses a tempera-on-wood triptych from the 16th century. Just below the church are the remains of the old castle, with the foundations of a rectangular tower dating back to the 15th century and some traces of walls. The present town hall derives from a fortified house.
Varzi, treasure of art and history
Definitely worth a visit is the historic centre of Varzi. Already in Piazza Umberto I you can admire some of the most important buildings, such as Palazzo Tamburelli, which today houses the Town Hall, and the Malaspina Castle with its tower, also known as "delle Streghe" (of the witches). Continue along Via di Dentro, which contains some of Varzi's most beautiful and prestigious buildings, including the towers of Porta Sottana and Porta Soprana, the latter also known as the Clock Tower, and the Chiesa dei Rossi. Beyond Porta Soprana is the façade of the Church of San Germano, the parish church of the city. This church stands at the crossroads of two levels: to the right you go down to the lower level, the original Via del Mercato, while to the left you go up to the upper level of the porticoes in Via Porta Nuova. Not to be missed is the oldest parish church in the Staffora Valley, the Capuchin Church, just outside the town of Varzi.
Zavattarello, a jewel in the green
A medieval atmosphere envelops visitors when they stroll through the village dominated by the majestic Dal Verme Castle, which is well worth a visit to admire its beauty, enter into the history of the village and browse through the furnished rooms of one of the most influential noble families in the valley. The village's main square, surrounded by stone buildings, the 14th-century oratory of San Rocco, with a magnificent 15th-century wooden altar, and the parish church of San Paolo are not to be missed.
To these three wonders of the Alto Oltrepò Pavese, Golferenzo, embraced by vineyards and land of fine wines, has recently been added to the list of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages. Attractions include the church of San Nicolò and the remains of the castle. Golferenzo, abbracciato da vigneti e terra di vini pregiati. Tra le attrazioni ci sono la chiesa di San Nicolò e i resti del castello.
