Wine and landscapes of Torrazza Coste

Surrounded by the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, Torrazza Coste is a place to discover for its balance of history, nature and wine-making traditions. The municipality of Torrazza Coste extends from the plains to the hilly areas.
It is a vast territory that includes several hamlets and localities: Barisonzo, Buffalora, Cadelazzi, Casa Nuova, Castellaro, Colombara, Mogliazza, Nebbiolo, Pragate, Sant’Antonino, Trebbio – Cadé, Casa Tuono, Casarone, Cascina Costa, Giarelli, Mancapane, Maresco, Molino, Riccagioia.

Image taken from the Torrazza Coste Municipality Facebook page

Let’s dive into history

The origins of Torrazza Coste date back to the 5th century A.D., when the inhabitants of the Roman village of Dianium took refuge on the surrounding heights.

The fief was first mentioned in a diploma dated 8 August 1164 by Frederick Barbarossa, who assigned it to the principality of Pavia. In the following centuries it was disputed between the Cristiani and Beccaria families, while Napoleon is said to have stayed in the village at Palazzo Gallotti.

The current name of the village – Torrazza Coste – probably derives from a fortified tower, known as ‘delle prigioni’, built in the 11th century as an outpost of the castles of Nebbiolo and Sant’Antonino.
Over time, several floors of the tower collapsed. In 1526, the Spanish restored it to its military function.
This ancient tower later became part of the Villa Racagni: it was covered by a roof and used as a dwelling by the Racagni family, who became the local lord.

Images taken from the Torrazza Coste Municipality Facebook page

What to see in Torrazza Coste

The village contains buildings of historical interest:

• San Carlo Borromeo Parish Church (17th century), with a very tall 42.50 m bell tower with a square base, the top of which rests on an octagonal base.🔔 It has five bells: three from 1813 and two from 1926. It is located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and next to it is Villa Lodi Alessi, an 18th-century historic building;
• Palazzo Paleari Gallotti, with a characteristic crenellated turret, also overlooks the same square. It was built on the remains of an old fortified house belonging to the Rovida family. The building, made of exposed brick, is L-shaped;
• Villa Racagni, in Via Riccagioia. At the end of the 17th century, a will of the Racagni family mentioned the current structure of the rooms, including a portico with an oven for use by civilians. In the 19th century, the Racagni family redecorated the villa with wall paintings;
• A little further on, Villa Riccagioia, once a noble residence, now an agricultural experimentation centre;
• Cascinale Riccagioietta farmhouse, with a picturesque dovecote tower;
• in Frazione Castellaro, you can see the historic 17th century Villa Branca, which was surrounded by a large and rich garden.

Traditional festivities

Torrazza Coste celebrates several festivities:

• Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (16 July)
• Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (15 August, hamlet of Trebbio)
• Festa del Vino Novello (in November, at the Torrevilla Winery)

Food and wine

Torrazza Coste is a landmark for wine and food lovers:

• 🍾TorrevillaVini e Spumanti, a historic cooperative winery producing quality wines. It has 200 member producers from 9 municipalities in the Oltrepò Pavese area and a total vineyard area of 500 hectares;
• 🍷Riccagioia wines from the Riccagioia Foundation;
• 🍇Pastor Wines, which also produces oil.

• 🍽️ the starred restaurant Villa Naj at the Tenuta Riccagioia estate, which offers refined dishes enhancing local products, with menus also suitable for those on a vegetarian diet;
• 🍽️Storica theOsteria del Campanile, a Slow Food presidium; in its cosy atmosphere typical of our area, it offers a menu that has all the flavour of tradition;
• 🐐Fattoriai Grater, with its tasty goat’s cheese production.

Nature and breathtaking views

Nature lovers, besides admiring the embroidery of the vineyards on the slopes of the first hills, cannot miss the view of the spectacular Orridi di Sant’Antonino, between Torrazza Coste and Codevilla.

Torrazza Coste is a village surrounded by enchanting landscapes and characterised by a strong wine tradition.
Whether it is a walk through the streets or in the countryside, a tasting of Oltrepò Pavese wines in the local cellars or a culinary experience, this corner of the Oltrepò Pavese always knows how to put every visitor at ease.