Holiday apartment in Zerbolò: Nature, Trails and History

Between River Landscape and Lowland Forest

Zerbolò combines the Ticino landscape with natural and cultural sites. The Sentiero Zerbolò begins and ends at Ostello Cascina Venara and passes through diverse, ecologically significant and valuable habitats typical of Parco del Ticino. With the Sentiero Zerbolò, the habitats of Parco del Ticino, and the churches and castles in Zerbolò and Parasacco, it is possible to plan different days combining nature, local history and trails near Cascina Venara.

Circular Trails and Nature near Cascina Venara

Cascina Venara is also connected to cycling routes. The Anello della Venara begins and ends there in Zerbolò; Cascina Venara is also one of the stops in the town along the Ciclabile lungo il Ticino. Access to Bosco Siro Negri from Zerbolò leads via Cascina Venara and the E1 trail.

Bosco Siro Negri is a remnant of the original lowland forests and was established as an integral nature reserve by a decree of the Italian Republic’s Ministry dated 11 December 1973. Around 30 white storks from the local colony breed in the wild in the designated area near Cascina Venara. The project for breeding, acclimatizing and releasing pairs of white storks was made possible through agreements between the municipality of Zerbolò, Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino and environmental organizations active there in succession. The association “A Passo d'Ali” monitors and protects the white stork colony and raises awareness among school classes and visitors to the park.

Holiday Apartment in Zerbolò between Churches and Castles

Several fixed points are part of the town’s history. Castello di Zerbolò is a fortified castle built in the 15th century and integrated into other buildings in the town center. The parish church of San Bartolomeo can be visited in Zerbolò; its present structure was completed between 1743 and 1747. In Parasacco, northwest of the town on an alluvial terrace of the Ticino, lie the remains of Castello di Parasacco, which are still preserved today. They date back to a castle built by the people of Pavia between the 14th and 15th centuries.

The town’s earlier development can also be traced to the castle: in 1259, Mauro Beccaria, Zanone’s son, received permission from the Comune di Pavia to build a castle on land he had acquired from the monastery of San Salvatore. The settlement grew around the castle; in 1393, it was known among the Beccaria as “Zerbolato”. Parasacco is also home to the church of Santa Maria Avvocata, with its Baroque style, valuable furnishings and frescoes. The patronal feast in honor of the Apostle Bartholomew is associated with 24 August.

A day in Zerbolò can be planned around three themes: the habitats along the Ticino and Bosco Siro Negri, the trails near Cascina Venara, and the church and castle history of Zerbolò and Parasacco.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

Other travel destinations include Santa Cristina, San Giorgio di Lomellina, Cava Manara, Badia Pavese, Cigognola, Casei Gerola, Carbonara al Ticino and Robbio.

More about Pavia: Pavia.