Easter and Easter Monday in Pavia’s villages: walks, castles and

Easter and Easter Monday in Pavia's villages

The Easter weekend in the province of Pavia features a variety of activities for lovers of historic villages, nature and local traditions. From special museum openings to guided castle tours, boat trips and countryside fairs, there are many options for day trips and family outings.

Main events

• Civic Museums at Pavia Castle – Special opening hours during the long weekend, ideal for visiting collections and castle spaces.
• Zavattarello Castle – Guided visits (interiors and exteriors) available from Friday through Monday, with local guides presenting the site's history and architecture. Check directly with the castle for updated schedules and details.
• Boat trip on the Po (San Pietro di Portalbera) – Afternoon excursion on Easter Monday departing from a riverside landing; participation fee applies and booking by message/WhatsApp is recommended.
• Fantasy Junior Day at Belgioioso Castle – A themed event for children (approx. 6–12 years) with live animation and costumed characters. Tickets available in advance online or on-site.
• Barbecue and music in Castana (Easter Monday) – Lunch in the municipal park followed by live music and recreational tournaments. Booking is advised for table places.
• Fiera dell'Angelo in Santa Maria della Versa – Market stalls, vintage agricultural vehicles and local culinary specialties. Family-friendly attractions throughout the day.
• 175th Bastida Pancarana Easter celebration – Two days of events including sports, fairs, exhibitions and the traditional Easter Monday market with historic vehicles and community performances.

Outdoor activities

For outdoor enthusiasts there are guided walks, trekking and cycling options:

• Trekking in the Valle Staffora and Valle Curone area – Guided hike on the Saturday before Easter: approx. 6 km (2–3 hours). Participation fee and prior booking required.
• Lipu Bosco Negri Nature Reserve (Pavia) – Open for walks and picnics during the weekend; check public opening times and visiting rules before going.
• Easter Monday on the Po Cycle Route – Two options: a 22 km bike ride starting from Mezzanino or a 6 km walk from Portalbera. A picnic is planned afterwards in a reserved area; places are limited and require reservation and payment in advance.

Practical tips and contacts

• Confirm schedules: opening times and guided tours can change; verify with organizers before leaving.
• Book early: many events have limited capacity, so reserve your spot in advance where required.
• Packing: for walks bring sturdy shoes, water and sun protection.
• Local info: for precise details (times, prices, meeting points) contact local tourist offices, pro loco associations or the event organizers listed on official communications.

The Easter weekend is a perfect moment to explore the province's villages, castles and food traditions: pick an event and enjoy a day among history, nature and local flavors.