Zavattarello, green pearl of the Oltrepò Pavese

One of the most charming and picturesque villages in our territory, Zavattarello is also called the Green Pearl of the Oltrepò Pavese.
Its medieval streets and breathtaking views have made it one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’.

Cover image taken from the Facebook page Zavattarello (Pv) – voted one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

History, traditions and legends

Zavattarello’s origins date back to Roman times, as evidenced by the discovery of a Roman necropolis.
The name Zavattarello is probably derived from the term savatarellum, referring to the production of slippers(savatte), a craft tradition of the town.
In the Middle Ages, Zavattarello became an important strategic and commercial centre, thanks to its dominant position and the presence of the Dal Verme castle.

Speaking of legends, there is one that is precisely linked to the Castle. It is said that the ghost of Pietro Dal Verme, castle lord, still haunts the walls.
According to legend, he appears during full moon nights to protect his noble domora and its secrets. Pietro Dal Verme’s death occurred on 17 October 1485, probably by poisoning, at the behest of Ludovico il Moro (some say at the hands of his wife Chiara Sforza).

Images taken from the Facebook page Zavattarello (Pv) – voted one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Events

Every year in summer, the village comes alive with the event Zava in Festa and in autumn with festivals on mushrooms and honey.

🏊‍♂️Nella nice season, you can also defend yourself from the heat in the 25-metre outdoor pool in summer, surrounded by a lawn, from where you can see the castle.

An attractive live nativity scene is staged during the Christmas period.

What to see in Zavattarello

CastleDalVerme

Dal Verme Castle towers imposingly atop the hill on which the town is built. It is undoubtedly Zavattarello’s main attraction. Read more about this beautiful castle here.

Castle Park

The castle park is a green area that lends itself to relaxing walks among ancient trees and native plants during open periods. Even less experienced hikers can take pictures here that look like postcards!

St Paul’s Church

Romanesque in style, the church of San Paolo dates from the 12th century and is known for its austerity. The church is accessed by a staircase and inside, visitors can admire medieval frescoes and a beautifully carved wooden altar.
The church is still an active place of worship and masses and religious celebrations are held regularly.
Before the year 1000, the village was called Sarturanum, possibly in connection with a shrine dedicated to the god Saturn, where this church now stands. In 929, monks from Bobbio stopped here while transferring the remains of St Columba to Pavia.

👨‍🎨Museo Contemporary art

The Zavattarello Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the castle and houses a collection of works by local and international artists. The museum organises cultural events and temporary exhibitions: a meeting place between the ancient and the modern.

👩‍🌾Museo Warehouse of memories

Another attraction is the Magazzino dei Ricordi Museum (Cascina Mirani, 8), which offers a journey through the local past, with reconstructions of agricultural and craft environments.

🏘️Il Medieval village

The village’s cobbled streets and stone houses have retained their medieval essence intact. Walking through the historic centre, you will discover evocative nooks, hidden squares and panoramic views.

Local gastronomy

Zavattarello’s cuisine reflects the area’s rural traditions. Typical dishes include artisan cured meats, aged cheeses, porcini mushrooms and truffles.
Besides the restaurants you can stop at, there is no shortage of small artisan shops and studios selling local products.

Curiosa

🍯Zavattarello is not only known as the Green Pearl of the Oltrepò Pavese, but also has the nickname “City of Honey” and “Land of Bees”, due to the historical local production of this precious and delicious gift of bees and their hives.
🐝In 2015, the “Miele di Zavattarello” brand was established and in 2017 theAssociazioneApicoltori dell’Oltrepò Montano Zavattarello (Beekeepers’ Association of the Oltrepò Montano ) was founded, bringing together several beekeepers who have also organised beekeeping courses in recent years.

A getaway to Zavatterello certainly does not disappoint, with all it has to offer!