Varzi
Welcome to Varzi: a small basin in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese
Come discover Varzi, a small town of 3012 inhabitants located in the basin of the Staffora Valley, in the south of the province of Pavia, in Lombardy. Our village is crossed by the Staffora stream and is located in a privileged position in the so-called Oltrepò pavese, the only area of Lombardy, together with the Oltrepò mantovano, which extends south of the Po river.
In Varzi, you can enjoy unspoiled nature and breathtaking scenery that will surprise you at every corner. If you love outdoor walks, don't miss the Staffora Valley, which offers spectacular paths through the typical natural landscapes of the area. If you are a history enthusiast, Varzi has a lot to offer you: our village has been known since 993 and has a rich history dating back to the period of dependencies of the San Colombano di Bobbio abbey.
Discover the history of Varzi
Varzi is probably of Ligurian origin, as demonstrated by the root ''var'' in the name, which means ''river''. In 993, our village was owned by the San Colombano abbey and was part of the curtis of Ranzi, now a small village within the municipal territory. In Varzi, there was also the church of San Germano, one of the most important churches in the diocese of Tortona, from which many villages in the valley depended.
Like the rest of the valley, Varzi fell under the power of the Malaspina family and was invested by them in 1164. In the 13th century, thanks to the inheritance divisions among the Malaspina family, Varzi developed as the capital of a vast lordship. The Marquis Azzolino, the founder of the Varzi line, took up residence there, built the castle, and fortified the village. In 1320, the Malaspina family gave Varzi the statutes, compiled by the Cremonese jurist, Alberto dal Pozzo.
The downfall of the marquisate
Unfortunately, the fortune of the Varzi marquisate did not last forever. The Malaspina family divided into multiple lines, each of which had increasingly limited powers. This inevitably led to the ruin of the marquisate, which had to recognize the supremacy of the Duke of Milan and fall under the dominion of other families, first Filippo Maria Visconti and then also the count Peterlino Dal Verme, after the local line of the Malaspina family had become extinct.
What to visit in Varzi
Despite its tumultuous history, Varzi has managed to preserve its ancient charm and offers numerous tourist attractions. One of the most important is certainly the Malaspina Castle, dating back to the 13th century, which is located in a commanding position guarding the village. Are you a lover of sacred art? Don't miss the Church of San Siro, which preserves numerous works of art including paintings and statues. If you want to observe the panorama from above, climb up to Monte Penice, which can be reached through a scenic road that offers a breathtaking viewpoint.
Typical cuisine of Varzi
Our village is also famous for its cuisine, which offers numerous typical dishes. Are you a lover of cold cuts? Varzi offers you the famous Salame Varzi, which has had a DOP since 1996. If you prefer cheeses, we recommend the famous Gorgonzola DOP, produced by a whole generation of cheese makers who have managed to preserve the secret of its preparation. If you want to taste unique dishes, we suggest the Traditional Cabanin Festival, which takes place every year in July and offers tastings of local specialties, including the famous brasato alla varzese and torta pavia.
Come discover Varzi, a small basin in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, where history and nature merge into a unique experience. We are waiting for you!
