Discover Varzi

Varzi lies in the Staffora Valley, in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese. If you are looking for a hotel in Varzi, you can choose where to stay based on several clearly distinct themes: routes of varying lengths, a landscape of clay and silt, medieval buildings, and a protected regional food product. Consider whether landscape, trails, local history or regional cuisine is the main priority for your trip.

Varzi and Salame di Varzi DOP

Salame di Varzi DOP is a raw, cured, coarse-grained sausage made from lean and fatty pork. Varzi is the municipality that gives it its name; the production area also includes 14 other municipalities in the mountainous Oltrepò Pavese area of the Province of Pavia in Lombardy. So its geographical designation refers not only to the place name, but to an area comprising 15 municipalities in total. The protected designation connects the product with Varzi and with the wider region.

Greenway and Via del Sale: Routes of Different Lengths

The completed Voghera–Varzi Greenway runs all the way to Varzi and is 33 kilometres long in total. The hillier section from Salice Terme to Varzi covers 19 kilometres. This distinguishes the Greenway’s total length from the section specifically described as hillier. The Via del Sale starts in Varzi and heads towards the Penice and Brallo passes. At about 70 kilometres, it is longer than the entire Greenway. The comparison sets out three different figures: a total route, a section of that route, and another route with an approximate total length.

Calanchi: Ridges of Clay and Silt

The “Tour I CALANCHI di NIVIONE” trail leads through the calanchi: spectacular ridges of clay and silt, shaped over time by rainwater. Unlike the historic streets of the town, the focus here is on a landform; both the material and the forces that shaped these ridges are specified. If you are more interested in natural features than architectural history, the trail offers a distinct theme to consider when planning your trip.

Medieval Old Town and Historic Streets

The medieval old town preserves architectural evidence spanning eight centuries of history in its churches, towers and castle. The Via del Mercato is lined with two rows of arcades built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Along the Via della Maiolica, the street runs beside the base of Varzi’s defensive wall. A structure projects from the wall; its loopholes were used to aim weapons. The arcades as a feature of a street and the defensive function of a structure on the wall therefore represent different aspects of historic architecture.

The Vicolo Dietro le Mura forms a tunnel above the medieval defensive wall. The homes there have their main entrance on the Via Porta Nuova. This is another distinct architectural arrangement: the lane lies above the wall, while the homes’ main entrances are on a different street. Together with the arcades and the wall, this shows how varied the historic streets and buildings in the old town are.

Torre Malaspina and Views over the Valley

Torre Malaspina, also known as Torre delle Streghe, stands in Piazza del Municipio in the old town. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries at the behest of the Malaspina family. When open to the public, its viewing terrace offers 360-degree views over Varzi and the Staffora Valley. Access is limited to special openings, events or guided visits; check the latest official information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Bressana, Gropello Cairoli, Cava Manara, Torre Beretti, Rivoltella, Stradella, Cervesina, San Genesio Ed Uniti.

For the broader travel overview: Pavia.