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Visit Voghera

Voghera: a countryside city and its fine wines

Tourists arriving at Voghera by car or train pass through an extensive region of cultivated countryside and an uninterrupted set of historical villages and medieval castles - the atmosphere that we breathe here today is still medieval. On arriving at Voghera we find ourselves in a dynamic but fairly quiet city, which offers some artistic and cultural works - even more in the surrounding region a few miles outside the city.

Starting point for a tour through Voghera is certainly the massive Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo.

Voghera Cathedral, churches and castle

The cathedral in Voghera is an artefact of the 17th century, as designed and completely rebuilt by the architect Mario Corbetta, inspired by the Cathedral of Pavia. The large and airy façade features strong pillars, with the extensive facade and angular arches added later, in the 19th century. The paintings which are inside are for the most part by Rodolfo Gambini (1855-1928). There are also seveal representations of the Virgin Mary.

A very interesting medieval church in Voghera is the Church of San Ilario, on the Staffora Hill and called the Red Church, having been built from bricks around the 13th century. Equally ancient is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, while dating from the 19th century is the Palace of the Teatro Sociale(1845).

Also notable is the Castello Visconteo (Visconti’s Castle), built in 1367 by Ottarello de Meda and Andrea da Modena and then expanded by Galeazzo Visconti in 1372.

Places to visit near Voghera

There is much to discover and enjoy in the region around Voghera, including some ancient artefacts and pictorial works. First head to Godiasco, in the neighbourhood of which there are some important medieval artifacts - here, on a hill, you can admire the 11th century Abbey of San Alberto Butrio, an example of Romanesque style, although frescoed later, in the 15th century, by various painters including Manfredino and Franceschino Baxilio. We also find interesting artefacts next to Varzi, with an ancient Romam Castrum and the beautiful 14th century church of Capuchins. At Varzi you can also admire the well preserved Tower of the Palace Malaspina-Odetti. To see a more complete castle we must move to Zavattarello, dominated by the Castle on the hill - also very interesting here is the 18th century Church of St. Paul.

The countryside around voghera is full of towers and medieval castles in all directions, such as the castle of Branduzzo Nazzano, Fortunato, Torricella and Montalto, with the scenery featuring medieval ruins scattered here and there between the plain and hills. In addition to the castles you can admire some solitary churches on the hills, such as the Church of Saints Martin and Lazarus, with a Portal of brickworks and the high Bell Tower, dating back to the 15th century of late-Gothic style.

Voghera food and wine

Progressing through the countryside you will pass some precious vineyards. These include the Oltrepo of  Pavia (Oltrepo Pavese) famous for its fine wines, which bear the names of some locations around Voghera: Broni, Casteggio, Santa Maria della Versa.

Be sure to also savour the local products and recipes, including the Agnolotti alla Vogherese (fresh pasta with meat, a recipe dating from the Middle Ages). I heartily recommend also a taste of the Voghera mustard and, among sweets, the Vogherese Soup (bread of Spain, cream and coffee). 'Hic manebimus Optime! ('we can live very well here') as they would have said in ancient Roman times.