Holiday apartment in Borgarello: Discover history and trails

Borgarello combines a complex local history with trails through a predominantly rural landscape. Highlights include the Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo, the cascine dating from the Visconti period, the Alzaia cycle path along the Naviglio Pavese and the rural Sentiero campestre dei Mezzani.

Between the church, Cascina and Visconti Park

The Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo has a Baroque layout with a single nave, a barrel vault, interconnected shallow side chapels, an enclosed transept and a choir. Its existence is documented by a deed dated 23 May 1395.

The historic Cascina La Colombina also helps explain Borgarello’s development: it formed the original centre of the settlement, around which the old village developed over time. During the Visconti period, Cascina Colombina served as an important control post for the park. At that time, Borgarello was incorporated into the Parco Nuovo, a hunting ground between the Castello di Pavia and the Certosa di Pavia.

Further traces of this landscape history can be found near Cascina Repentita. It was one of the small rural settlement buildings scattered throughout the historic Visconti Park. Remains of the ancient Parco Visconteo are still visible at Cascina Repentita; at the same time, part of the roof had collapsed there. The former layout of the area can also be traced through a dividing wall that ran between the Parco Vecchio and the Parco Nuovo, from the Cantone delle Tre Miglia to Due Porte.

Cycling paths and rural trail history

Borgarello has its own network of cycling paths along the Alzaia cycle path beside the Naviglio Pavese. This route runs for 30 km from Milan to the Certosa di Pavia and continues for another 6 km to Pavia’s historic centre.

Another perspective is offered by the present-day rural trail Sentiero campestre dei Mezzani. It apparently follows a medieval route that began north of Borgarello and reached Villanova as its first stop. Information points, as well as rest and refreshment facilities for cycling tourists, hikers, runners and pilgrims, were planned to enhance tourist trails in predominantly rural areas. These planned elements belong to the development concept for the trails, not to confirmed current facilities.

Villa Mezzabarba and Zuppa alla Pavese

Another cultural highlight is Villa Mezzabarba, an 18th-century building with an adjoining park. The feudal lord Giovan Battista Mezzabarba commissioned the architect Veneroni to build it. In 2017, the municipality acquired the villa, subsequently moved its headquarters there and also opened it to cultural initiatives such as exhibitions, conferences and concerts.

A local legend also associates Cascina Repentita with the origin of Zuppa alla Pavese.

Further places for planning your trip

Rosasco, Santa Cristina, Miradolo Terme, Marcignago, Semiana, Casei Gerola, Cornale, Ferrera Erbognone.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pavia.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Ferrera Erbognone.