Zavattarello is a small town in the province of Pavia in Lombardy that has been included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This medieval village is surrounded by hills and beautiful nature. The village is dominated by the castle Dal Verme that allows visitors to take a leap back in time.
Here you can discover the history of this place among the most beautiful in Italy. Let’s find out what to do and see in this place and in the surrounding of Oltrepò pavese famous for its wines. Zavatarello is known for the typical products of the area and for the recipes of traditional cuisine.
Ballast: where is it?
Zavattarello is a medieval village in the province of Pavia that has the distinction of being in a position, nestled in the Apennines, of meeting four important provinces. These include Genoa, Alexandria, Pavia and Piacenza.
The town is known as the green pearl of the Oltrepò Pavese territory as it is characterized by lush landscapes and architectural beauty to discover.
The story of Zavattarello
Ballast has a very interesting story. Originally the village bore the name of Sarturanum and was a fief of the monastery of San Colombano di Bobbio. In 1385 it was donated by the bishop of San Colombano to the famous captain of fortune Jacopo Dal Verme who changed the name of the town to Zavattarello.
The history of the village is particularly linked to its castle. This remained in the possession of the Dal Verme family until 1975. Over the centuries this impregnable fortress has resisted the attack of enemies thanks to its imposing walls.
Zavattarello: the castle and the legend of the ghost
Undoubtedly one of the most characteristic and interesting aspects of the medieval village of Zavattarello is its castle that overlooks the village from the top of a hill. This fortress has a unique structure that has attracted the attention of historians and architects from all over the world.
Its walls have a thickness of over 4 meters and consists of 40 rooms made on separate levels and connected through internal stairs. From the tower and also from the terrace you can admire a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Today you can make a guided tour inside the Castle of Zavattarello. This place is also famous for the legend about the presence of the ghost of Pietro Dal Verme.
He was the owner of the castle in the fifteenth century and was forced to marry Chiara Sforza, although he was in love with Cecilia Del Maiono. After a long series of political vicissitudes he managed to obtain the consent to marry his beloved but she died prematurely. Then he was widowed and married Chiara Sforza who, however, did not accept the fact of being considered a second choice and poisoned him. According to legend, the ghost of Peter still wanders among the rooms of the Castle, without peace.
What to see and do in Oltrepò pavese?
The territory of Oltrepò pavese offers a lot to its visitors as it is a particularly suggestive area and is rich in centuries-old traditions. The varied landscape is characterized by the presence of vineyards that allow the production of some of the most famous and appreciated Italian wines worldwide.
These places rich in history and culture are the treasure trove of magnificent castles, small villages and beautiful historic buildings. Among the villages near Zavattarello there is Romagnese that has a long history to discover. In the center of the territory there is another village where time seems to have stopped. It is the village of Varzì. Other places to discover in Oltrepò pavese are the municipalities of Branduzzo and Fortunago.
Zavattarello: traditional dishes of Oltrepò pavese
The Oltrepò pavese area is renowned throughout Italy for its wines and cellars. In these territories are produced some of the most famous and important DOC wines of Italy. Certainly among the most famous are Bonarda and Barbera. Other relevant wine productions are also Pinot Noir and Croatina.
There are many wineries that are located in this hilly area in every small village. As for the traditional dishes of the territory of Zavattarello are characterized by the particular geographical location. We find recipes of the culinary tradition of Oltrepò Pavese and also of Piacenza. Among the most appreciated dishes there are undoubtedly the ravioli braised.
Other typical products are local salami such as raw salami and coppa piacentina. A traditional recipe is also that of wild boar in salmì with polenta. Another very appreciated recipe of the peasant cuisine is that of the boiled. These areas of Lombardy are rich in mushrooms and truffles that are used for the preparation of delicious seasonal dishes.
Copertina:sognandocaledonia
