Golferenzo: hidden gems on the hills of Oltrepò Pavese

Golferenzo is a pretty medieval village in the province of Pavia in Lombardy with just over 200 inhabitants.

Located in the picturesque setting of the Oltrepò Pavese hills, the village is perched on a small promontory 464 m above sea level overlooking the extensive and lush vineyards of the Versa Valley. Fine wines of international renown are produced here, including Riesling and Pinot.

In spite of Golferenzo's tiny size, the small town, as lovely as its wine, will surprise you with its hidden treasures, including cultural and historical heritage, food and wine experiences and outdoor activities.

Would you like to know more about Golferenzo's treasures? Then let's discover together what the Oltrepò Pavese village hides.

Nestling in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, Golferenzo is an enchanting village that will make you take a plunge into the history and traditions of this corner of Lombardy.

Strolling through its cobbled streets, you can breathe in the serene air of times gone by, surrounded by splendid views.

Among the historic buildings, the Castle and the Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo stand out. The Castle, although only partly visible, bears witness to a fascinating past and offers evocative views. The Parish Church, on the other hand, with its simple beauty, encapsulates centuries of local faith and art.

But Golferenzo is also a lively village, where local traditions still live on. Throughout the year, there are many village festivals and cultural events dedicated to typical local products, such as wine and truffles.

On these occasions, you can taste the authentic flavours of the Oltrepò, in a lively, convivial atmosphere, with lots of music and folklore.

Finally, the surroundings of Golferenzo and the Oltrepò Pavese offer many excursions and routes of all levels to explore the splendid nature of this area.

Art and history lovers will also have the city of Pavia, with its fine monuments and many small villages to explore, less than an hour away.

Golferenzo is a village where you can slow down the pace, abandon your hectic life and enjoy the beauty of nature and the genuineness of the people.

Discover with us what to do and see in Golferenzo, a hidden jewel of the Oltrepò Pavese!

The air one breathes in Golferenzo is that of a distant but still living past, with an architecture bearing witness to the ancient roots of the village, probably of Celtic origin.

Strolling through the town centre among small stone houses and alleyways, you will reach the main square where you can admire the elegant Parish Church of San Nicolò, enhanced by a surrounding wall. 

Near the church, a visit to the vestiges of the castle, which was built in 1100 but destroyed around 1200, is a must. All that remains today is a stone tower incorporated into a building. The window at the top of the tower protected by a grating and the various torture instruments found inside suggest that the tower was once used as a prison.

If you are looking for a magical and cosy place to sleep in the centre of Golferenzo, the Borgo dei Gatti relais will exceed your expectations. Here you can stay in the Càs, peasant dwellings of stone and wood renovated with modern and functional tones, which will catapult you into a distant and surreal era.

Throughout the year, cultural events and popular festivals are held in Oltrepò Pavese, allowing you not only to taste the excellent local food and wine, but also to discover this green hilly territory.

Among the various cultural events, we mention Autunno Pavese, a historical event that takes place in autumn, an excellent season to discover this corner of Lombardy.

The hill village of Pavia is the guardian of a real treasure: the wine of Oltrepò Pavese. The fertile lands of Golferenzo produce high quality grapes that are hand-selected and vinified using the ancient methods of local families.

If you love good wine, the village of Oltrepò Pavese is the ideal place to visit vineyards and cellars and enjoy the tasting of excellent wines, including Pinot Noir, Moscato and Riesling.

In Summer, the streets and courtyards of Golferenzo are the setting for several food and wine events, some of the most famous in the region, where you can sip fine wines and taste excellent traditional local dishes under the stars.

Among these, we recommend the SaXbere in June and the Convivium in July. Here the best restaurateurs in the area come together to prepare culinary delicacies paired with fine wine. 

On the first Sunday in October, the Patron Saint is celebrated. For the occasion, the village comes alive with markets, craft stalls, and food and wine stands, as well as convivial moments.

During the Christmas period, the streets of Golferenzo are enriched with lights, colours and flavours to host the Christmas markets. You will find many stands with beautiful handicrafts and local food and wine specialities.

An appointment not to be missed if you are on the hunt for presents and want to enjoy the charming Christmas atmosphere!

In Golferenzo, you can immerse yourself and be pampered by the magnificent nature that surrounds it with numerous outdoor activities.

Many paths and trails are prepared for walking, cycling, horseback riding and trekking. In this way, you will have the opportunity to explore memorable places and fully admire the beauty of the hills, valley and vineyards. Many agritourisms and horse riding stables offer packages that combine outdoor activities with wine tasting and local dishes.

If you want to venture beyond the borders of Golferenzo, some neighbouring villages also offer excursions of a longer duration and greater degree of difficulty. We recommend the sunset hike on the Costa del Vento in Montalto Pavese, or the circular route from Borgoratto.

For the more sporty and adventurous, there are also many spectacular routes for mountain biking.