PROVINCE OF PAVIA – The first weekend of May promises to be an unrepeatable opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the province of Pavia. Art, culture, nature and tradition come together in an irresistible mix that promises to give unique and unforgettable emotions.
Active & Green: The Path of the Blooming Brooms
On May 4th, at Godiasco, an exciting nature walk is planned to discover the wonders of the Staffora Valley. The route, led by expert guides, will lead participants among broom blooms, breathtaking views and unique geological features. Along the way, it will be possible to admire the extraordinary biodiversity of the Apennines and be enchanted by the authentic beauty of uncontaminated nature.
Art and Culture: FAI DAY at the Montalto Pavese Castle
On May 5th Montalto Pavese Castle will open its doors for an extraordinary day, exclusively thanks to the FAI – Italian Environment Fund. Built as a fortress in the Middle Ages and transformed into a noble residence in the 16th century, the castle offers a unique spectacle made of exposed bricks, richly decorated interiors and magnificent gardens that dominate the Scuropasso Valley and the Coppa Valley. Thanks to guided tours, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of this place and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Lifestyle Food & Wine: Spring Fair in Pietra de’ Giorgi
Also Pietra de’ Giorgi is preparing to welcome spring with a festival dedicated to the agricultural and winemaking tradition of the area. On May 5, Piazza Unità d’Italia will be animated by stalls selling typical products, displays and tastings of local wines and much more. The opportunity to enjoy a genuine lunch prepared with local ingredients and immerse yourself in the festive and convivial atmosphere of the event is unmissable.
Boat trip with a view of Pavia
On Sunday 5 May we will sail aboard the motor ship Le Due Rive, along the Ticino river, from where you have the most beautiful view of the suggestive Covered Bridge of Pavia, while the guide on board reveals the secrets and stories of this fascinating city. Departure from the pier of the Imbarcadero di Pavia restaurant, Lungo Ticino Sforza, a few steps from the Covered Bridge. The guide on board Oltre Confine Onlus will describe the cultural and historical beauties of this city to us, while we will be slowly cradled by the waters of the river. Booking, online, or via WhatsApp message to Marco on 3388906161 or on the navigafiumepo.it website. The cost is €14. Hours: 3.00pm – 4.15pm – 5.30pm.
Families and illustrious people in Pavia in the nineteenth century
A visit to discover the illustrious families of Pavia such as the Cairoli, the Botta Adorno, the Malaspina. Each family will be told in front of monuments and buildings that still exist. Participation in the guided tours is free but online booking is mandatory as the events have a limited number of places. A booking form must be filled out for each participant (including children aged 6 and over). The tours will be held outdoors and will take place even in bad weather. The meeting point for the departure of all guided tours is at the Arnaboldi Cupola (Strada Nuova 47d entrance). You are required to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the visit. The initiative is part of the corollary activities of the Chamber of Commerce project for the redevelopment of owned spaces inside the Arnaboldi Dome. TIMES: 4.00pm.
Colli d’Oltrepò Motorcycle Rally
On 5 May 2024 the traditional appointment with the Colli d’Oltrepò Motorcycle Meeting returns, now in its 11th edition and finally hosted in its natural setting: Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Stradella from where, after registration (€15 for the conductor and €10 € for the passenger) at 10:30, the participants will leave for a splendid panoramic route over our hills. Around 11.30 a gastronomic stop is planned in the square of Mornico Losana, where the Pro Loco will offer a tasty aperitif/starter based on cooked salami offered by the Daturi Brothers. We will then set off again for a new bout of curves and at around 1pm we are expected to arrive at the Stradella Municipal Swimming Pool where we can comfortably take a seat at the long tables set up under the portico to taste the tasty convivial risotto cooked by the Pro Loco of Stradella (this will be the true added value of the event!). At the end, after the awards ceremony, everyone was given a nice souvenir gadget. NB: As usual, an adequate relay service and a van equipped for technical assistance will be guaranteed.
Palio of the Holy Cross
The Contrade of Mortara will compete for the cencio by competing in skill tests reserved for archers and games taken from medieval and Renaissance traditions. In the afternoon, there will be a historical procession with a Sforza setting, followed by the Palio contest in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The sound of the drums will therefore announce the return to the streets of Ludovico il Moro and Beatrice d’Este, played by Mattia Callegaris and Matilde Perfetto, of the Sforza court and of the municipal delegation of Mortara who was with the mayor, alias Pier Pirola. Then the six districts: in front of all the yellow-blacks of the Tower, holders of the Palio, then Braide, San Dionigi, il Moro, Sant’Albino and San Cassiano. Throughout the day there will be entertainment for children and food stands.
Varzi at the Fair
Sunday 5 May at Varzi “Varzi in Fiera” returns to Oltrepò Pavese, including tastings, traditional music, animals at the fair, parade of carriages and riders, equestrian shows, agri-food and craft market exhibition, guided tours of the historic center and the Witches’ Tower. Postponed to Sunday 5 May due to bad weather, the “Wise and Wonderful Things” event, an annual event now in its 27th edition. The characteristic setting in the ancient medieval village will offer the possibility of rediscovering atmospheres, sensations and images that are too often forgotten but so pleasant to relive, in a sort of magical moment not to be missed.
Within this evocative setting, the visitor will have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate the best products of the area: cured meats, in particular the Varzi Dop salami, cheeses, honey, fruit and wine; you will also be able to admire the display of different breeds of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and farmyard animals. The distinction of the event will be represented by the presence of the mules, festively decked out, coming from the high valleys of the Apennines.
The atmosphere of this day will be made even more enchanted by the voices of the choirs and the melodious notes of the pipes, which remain in the area as an expression of historical continuity. Accompanying them are the dancers of the Giga dance in traditional clothes. The lively music of the most ancient popular tradition will accompany the people on an unparalleled food and wine journey, in which the selection among the “Wise and Wonderful Things” constitutes the highest recognition that a breeder or producer can boast.
The Azzaretti Theater of Fortunago: the new theater season begins
After the success of last year’s Amate Stelle festival, LaMarti, a social promotion association, will be busy for the next few months with the initiatives that will be staged at the new Fortunago Theater in Oltrepò Pavese. The first appointment is May 4th and 5th with “Teatro nella Relazione d’Aiuto”, an integrated Theater of Emotions experience to support global learning with Riccardo Ballerini. All events and booking methods are available on www.auditoriumfortunago.com.
