San Damiano al Colle
Welcome to San Damiano al Colle!
Hi friends! Today I will talk about San Damiano al Colle, a charming town in the province of Pavia, Lombardy. This small municipality has only 629 inhabitants and is located near the borders of the province of Piacenza, surrounded by the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese. Its horseshoe shape is made up of the nuclei of Villa Marone, Boffalora, San Damiano and S. Giuliana, in addition to the fraction of Mondonico, located 4.7 km from the center. Here is a brief historical overview of this enchanting village.
History
San Damiano al Colle changed owners several times, from the feudal lordship of the bishop of Tortona as part of the fief of Portalbera until 1677, when it was sold for the modest sum of 60 lire to Count Galeazzo Mandelli of Pavia. In 1743, with the Treaty of Worms, it came under the dominion of the House of Savoy. In 1775, the regulations for "public administration" were approved and, although there is no documentation regarding the municipal organization, it is reasonable to assume that San Damiano was led by a mayor and four councilors. In 1789, it was divided into three cantons in the senatorial manifesto of the province of Voghera. In 1800, with the establishment of the department of Marengo and the district of Voghera, the first municipal councilors were appointed by the prefect. In 1805, San Damiano passed to the Ligurian-Piedmontese administration desired by Napoleon Bonaparte and was assigned to the department of Genoa, district of Voghera. In 1815, it was included in the mandamento of Montù Beccaria, belonging to the second canton of the province of Voghera and to the division of Alessandria.
What to visit
San Damiano al Colle is located in a quiet area of the Oltrepò Pavese, a region famous for its wine and cuisine. Among its attractions, the parish church of San Giuliana, dating back to the sixteenth century and where you can admire a valuable eighteenth-century wooden crucifix, or the Casa Museo Don Luigi Orione, the founder of the Little Work of Divine Providence, who was born in this town. Furthermore, Mondonico, the hamlet a few kilometers away from the town, will surprise you with its small cobbled streets and old stone houses.
Events and entertainment
San Damiano al Colle organizes several events every year, including the Wine Festival and Open Wineries, an event held on the last weekend of May that will allow you to taste local wine excellences. In addition, in June, the Sagra di San Giovanni Battista is held, the patron saint of the municipality, a two-day event that includes traditional stalls of local products and music and theater shows.
How to get there
San Damiano al Colle is about 30 km from the capital of Pavia and 90 km from Milan. From the A21 motorway, exit at Stradella and then follow the signs for San Damiano al Colle. Alternatively, it is possible to arrive in Voghera, the nearest city, and then take a bus or rent a car to reach the municipality.
In conclusion
San Damiano al Colle is a small town full of charm and history. Its horseshoe shape and the surrounding hills make it an ideal place for those who want to enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday, between excellent food, wine, and nature. Visiting it will make you discover an unspoiled part of Italy and you will feel its unique and authentic beauty. We welcome you with open arms!
