Zavattarello, the medieval heart of Oltrepò Pavese

Zavattarello owes its name to the Vulgar Latin savattarellum, meaning “place of slippers,” due to the presence of cobblers’ workshops.

The history of this village, listed among The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, begins in 971–72 with its enfeoffment to the monastery of Bobbio by Otto I. After centuries of disputes, in 1264 the village passed to Ubertino de’ Landi, who turned the castle into a feared fortress and encouraged the growth of the settlement.

In 1327, Emperor Louis the Bavarian granted it to Manfredo Landi, consolidating the family’s rule. In 1358, Gian Galeazzo Visconti signed the League of Voghera here. In 1385, the fief passed to Jacopo Dal Verme, whose family held it until 1975, when it was donated to the municipality. Restored from 1987 onwards, the castle is today the symbolic landmark of the village.

What to visit in the village of Zavattarello

Zavattarello, one of the most fascinating villages of Oltrepò Pavese, combines history, art, and nature. Nestled in Val Tidone, once inhabited by the Ligurians, it preserves the atmosphere of a place suspended in time, with hills reminiscent of Umbrian and Tuscan landscapes.

The medieval square is undoubtedly the historic heart of the village, highly evocative with its stone buildings and the “su di dentro” houses, surrounded by 4-meter-high walls that dominate the landscape crossed by winding streets leading up to the Rocca Dal Verme. The fortress includes a ricetto, stables, a church, and 40 rooms, with terraces offering spectacular views; inside, it houses a contemporary art museum.

Next to the square stands the 14th-century Oratory of San Rocco, with a precious 15th-century wooden altar. At the opposite end lies the parish church of San Paolo, Romanesque with a Baroque façade, rich in paintings and relics. Behind it, the harmonious 19th-century octagonal cemetery preserves the Dal Verme family chapel.

Traditions and events in Zavattarello

Zavattarello enlivens its village with events that celebrate tradition and culture. In summer, the Cultural July festival stands out, a series of music, theater, and art performances that light up the historic streets. On the last Sunday of July, the fair attracts visitors with stalls and local flavors.

In September, within the evocative ricetto of the fortress, the Educational Mushroom Exhibition takes place, an opportunity for naturalistic and gastronomic discovery. In winter, the village transforms with the Living Nativity Scene, creating magical Christmas atmospheres.

What to see around Zavattarello

The surroundings of Zavattarello offer numerous opportunities for further visits. Just a few kilometers away lies the Castle of Oramala, an ancient Malaspina stronghold nestled in the woods. Also noteworthy, for nature lovers, are the trails of Val Tidone and Val Trebbia.

Not far from Zavattarello, visitors can explore another of The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, Fortunago, as well as the medieval village of Varzi, famous for its PDO salami. Also fascinating is the Monte Alpe Nature Reserve, which preserves unique biodiversity and offers spectacular views of the Pavia Apennines.

Now you have all the information you need—there are no excuses: come and visit the village of Zavattarello!

Cover photo credits: DELBO ANDREA / Shutterstock.com