The region
A Rural Heartland Between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Liguria
Cascina Marlenzone in Pontecurone stands in the heart of the area stretching between the Po Valley and the Ligurian Apennines, on the border with the Oltrepò Pavese region. This is the Tortona area, where gentle hills covered with woods and vineyards alternate with the typical plains descending toward the banks of the Po River. Cultivated fields follow one another like waves stretching toward the Apennines, welcoming travelers into a rich and fortunate countryside.
This rural landscape also coexists with modern industrial and agricultural areas typical of this strategic crossroads located at the meeting point of three regions: Piedmont, Lombardy, and especially Liguria, to which this territory has historically been connected.
The nearby Oltrepò Pavese captivates both visitors’ eyes and palates with its delicious local specialties, refined gastronomy, and remarkable hospitality, inviting travelers to enjoy a long and immersive stay while discovering these fascinating places.
Pontecurone and Don Orione
The town of Pontecurone lies within the area known as the “Colli Tortonesi,” which is also a protected designation of origin, confirming the outstanding wine-growing vocation of Eastern Piedmont.
Located at a strategic crossroads and historically an important center for trade and commerce, this territory is renowned for its passion for fine food and for its highly appreciated food and wine products.
This borderland, influenced by nearby Lombardy and Liguria, gathers within just a few kilometers places of remarkable artistic and cultural interest, such as Tortona, a town of Roman origin; Castellania, birthplace of Fausto Coppi, where visitors can find the mausoleum dedicated to the cycling champion and the museum-house celebrating his achievements; and Volpedo, hometown of Giuseppe Pellizza, one of the most important painters of Italian Verismo, whose studio-home can still be visited.
Luigi Orione, later proclaimed Saint by Pope John Paul II in 2004, was born in Pontecurone in 1872. An important figure in the Catholic world, Don Orione was deeply admired both by the faithful and by the Church hierarchy for the ecumenical mission he pursued throughout his life.
Driven by profound love for the Church and dedication to helping people, he actively addressed many of the emerging social issues of his time, including the unity and freedom of the Church, the evangelization of the masses, and aid to populations devastated by war and famine, extending his mission even to Latin America.
A miracle dated June 21, 1944, is attributed to Don Orione, a figure still deeply cherished by many devotees. On that day, during a bombing near the Curone bridge, numerous bombs dropped by German anti-aircraft forces miraculously caused no casualties. This extraordinary event was attributed to the Saint, who had long worked in those lands and whose remains had been preserved since 1942 in the crypt of the Sanctuary of Madonna della Guardia in Tortona.
Tortona
Tortona, the ancient Derthona whose origins date back to Roman times, experienced its greatest prosperity during the Medieval Commune period, when it became a key center for trade and commerce. It later came under Milanese rule during the era of Gian Galeazzo Visconti and became a Savoy military stronghold during the 18th century.
Despite its modern appearance linked to today’s thriving industrial activities, Tortona surprises visitors with remarkable artistic itineraries, including the Cathedral built in the 16th century and the Church of Santa Maria del Canale dating back to the 12th century.
The surrounding area is equally fascinating: the hills associated with Fausto and Serse Coppi around Castellania; San Sebastiano; Volpedo; and the entire Curone Valley, famous throughout Italy for its agritourism experiences, food and wine routes, fruit production, and truffle festivals.
Oltrepò Pavese
Oltrepò Pavese is a land of hills and vineyards, with gentle slopes climbing toward the Apennines and overlooking deep valleys once shaped by ancient rivers. The landscape, characterized by carefully cultivated countryside, still reflects its feudal history through the many castles perched on hilltops.
Exploring Oltrepò means traveling along winding roads lined with small villages where the air carries the fragrance of wine, stopping at traditional taverns or visiting the many wineries that have brought prosperity to this territory.
Arriving in Oltrepò also means surrendering to the pleasure of thermal waters in the spa towns of Salice Terme and Rivanazzano, where even the Romans once appreciated the benefits of thermal treatments, the beauty of the surroundings, and the mild climate with gentle winters and cool summers.
Coming from the plains, Oltrepò invites visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty, unique in every season: bare and quiet in winter, vibrant green in spring, and glowing in late summer when the purple grape clusters color the vineyards and the first scents of autumn begin to fill the air.
There is no shortage of destinations to discover: the village of Varzi, Zavattarello Castle, the Abbey of Sant’Alberto, as well as Fortunago, Casteggio, and nearby Voghera.
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