An authentic experience just outside Milan! Some places in Italy make you feel as if time has stopped.
Where stone houses tell ancient stories, the air smells of woods and winter, and Christmas is celebrated with warmth and authenticity.

Zavattarello, located in the Oltrepò Pavese and listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, is one of these magical places.
A medieval gem worth discovering — especially during the Christmas season.

🏰 Dal Verme Castle: history and breathtaking views

The majestic Dal Verme Castle rises above the village and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Its thick medieval walls, tower and historical rooms take visitors back in time.

Today the castle also houses a contemporary art museum and can be visited on request — a perfect encounter between past and present.

🔗 More info: Castello Dal Verme – Official Website

Credit video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mImo93yCjw

🎄 The Christmas Market: flavours, traditions and local products

On the Sunday we visited, Zavattarello was alive with its charming Christmas Market.
Wooden stalls, handmade crafts, traditional dishes and local products filled the streets.

We tasted polenta, watched gnocchi being handmade and discovered the famous Zavattarello honey, known throughout Italy for its exceptional quality.

🍯 Discover the honey producers:
Azienda Agricola La Colomba – Miele di Zavattarello

We also met the president of the local beekeepers’ association, originally from Milan, who chose to move here after retirement to dedicate himself to beekeeping — a beautiful story of passion and connection to the land.

🎅 Santa’s Village: a community celebrating together

This year marked the opening of the new Santa’s Village, a magical space for children and families with lights, decorations and festive music.

But the real magic lies in the local community.
In Zavattarello, people of all ages work together: volunteers, families, artisans, young people and elders all contribute to creating a warm, welcoming Christmas atmosphere.

It’s a wonderful example of how traditions can bring people together.

🌿 Culture, nature and authentic Italian experiences

Zavattarello is also a perfect destination for cultural and educational activities.
Throughout the year, schools and Erasmus groups visit to learn about Italian traditions, gastronomy, beekeeping, local crafts and the beauty of the Oltrepò landscape.

It represents the Italy that students rarely see in guidebooks — the Italy that feels real and lived-in.

🚗 How to reach Zavattarello

From Milan
• By car: A7 motorway → Casei Gerola → Voghera → Varzi → SP207 (1h30–1h45).
• By train + bus: Milan → Voghera, then local bus to Zavattarello.

From Pavia
• Around 1 hour by car.
• Direct buses available as well.

During Christmas events, parking at the entrance of the village is recommended.

🇮🇹 Learn Italian by living Italy: experiences with Il Centro

At Il Centro – Italian Language and Culture School for Foreigners, we believe that Italian is learned best through real experiences.

Alongside our Italian courses, we offer:

• cultural visits,
• gastronomy-based activities,
• guided mountain excursions, where students can explore nature and practice Italian in a relaxed, authentic environment,
• many opportunities to live the language outside the classroom.

Our Mountain Experiences combine walking, landscapes and natural conversation — a unique way to truly experience Italy.

Discover our courses and activities: www.ilcentro.net