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Discovery of the village of Bagnaria, a gem in the Oltrepò Pavese

Bagnaria is a picturesque village, a gem of the Oltrepò Pavese.
It lies in the Staffora valley, nestled among green hills and crossed by the Staffora river.

This charming corner of Lombardy is an interesting destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature and history.

Cover image taken from Comunità Montana Oltrepò Pavese website.

A history full of fascination

Bagnaria’s origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the village played a strategic role as a transit point along the trade routes connecting the Po Valley with the sea.

The name is said to derive from the Latin word Balnearia, indicating the presence of water that may have been thermal or river-related. As you stroll through the streets, you breathe in the atmosphere of days gone by, with glimpses telling of the life of yesteryear.

Sights

Bagnaria is characterised by a well-preserved, fortified historic core, with stone houses and narrow alleys leading to small squares with ancient character. Among the most interesting sights are:

⛪St. Bartholomew’s Church: located in the heart of the village, this church houses precious frescoes and sacred works of art.
St Bartholomew is the patron saint of Bagnaria.

🏰 The remains of the medieval castle: although only a few traces are visible today, the castle symbolically dominates the village and reminds us of its historical importance. It probably dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when Bagnaria was a fief of the Malaspina family.
Unfortunately, it was damaged during the earthquake of 23 October 1551. The tower, on the other hand, collapsed during the 1828 earthquake.

Image taken from the Facebook page of the municipality of Bagnaria

Authentic flavours: the typical products of Bagnaria

Bagnaria’s gastronomic delights include products from the Oltrepò Pavese area, especially its famous cherries.🍒

Image taken from the Facebook page of the municipality of Bagnaria

What you should also not miss are the typical cured meats, artisanal cheeses and wine, the result of a wine-making tradition dating back thousands of years.

Events and traditions

Bagnaria is known for its events linked to the seasons and typical products. Besides the aforementioned cherry festival held in June, other occasions include the feast of the patron saint (Saint Bartholomew is celebrated on 26 August and on the weekend next to it, the local Proloco often organises events such as a dinner under the stars).
There is no shortage of craft markets, such as the Christmas market, the village festival dedicated to the apple🍏 usually held in October, where you can taste and buy all the local varieties of this good fruit as well as other 0 km products.

How do I get to Bagnaria?

The village is easily accessible by both car and public transport. From the provincial capital Pavia, it is about 50 km via the SS461 towards Varzi. For those who prefer public transport, there are bus connections from Voghera.

Visitor services:

🅿️Bagnaria offers free parking spaces, a camper spot where a water and wastewater kiosk is installed.
Around it, there are also nature trails for hiking enthusiasts. 🥾
In the section of the cycle-footpath that crosses the municipality of Bagnaria – Bagnaria is in fact a stage on the Voghera – Varzi Greenway route – the green area has been landscaped with special furniture for rest and refreshment, benches, waste bins and lighting.