Zavattarello was first mentioned in a document dating back to 972, when Emperor Otto II assigned the territory to the Monastery of Bobbio, to which it remained linked until the mid-11th century. In the centuries that followed, the village was contested between the cities of Pavia and Piacenza, with the latter eventually prevailing. However, disputes between two noble Piacenzan families led to a long period of unrest, which ended only with the arrival of the Visconti. Thanks to their support, the Dal Verme family rose to prominence and obtained the fief of Zavattarello, which they retained until the French invasion. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Ludovico il Moro temporarily granted the territory to Galeazzo Sanseverino, who sided with the French but was killed in the Battle of Pavia in 1525. From that point on, the village returned under the stable rule of the Dal Verme family, who governed it for centuries.

The Dal Verme Castle is Zavattarello’s undisputed symbol, towering above the historic village from the hilltop. This imposing and evocative fortress is built entirely of stone, with walls over 4 meters thick. Inside, visitors will find a fortified keep, stables, a church, and around 40 rooms. Recently restored, the castle offers breathtaking views from its terraces and main tower, overlooking the surrounding woodlands and hills. The sandstone, illuminated by the morning sun, highlights the warm tones of the structure, which blends harmoniously with the landscape. Once a strategic and military stronghold, the castle is now a must-see destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in the village’s rich history.

Descending from the castle to the heart of the town, one encounters a village that has preserved its medieval soul. Stone houses, narrow alleys, and radial passageways are distinctive features that tell the centuries-old story of Zavattarello. Still partially surrounded by ancient walls, the village develops around the fortress, maintaining its original urban layout. Walking through its streets is like traveling back in time, where every corner holds traces of the past and bears witness to the strategic and military importance this place has held throughout the centuries.

Zavattarello is widely known throughout the region as the “City of Honey”, thanks to a tradition that dates back to the 19th century, when Luigi Dal Verme began producing honey within the village castle. This activity has continued over time and is now protected by an association founded in 2015, which brings together local beekeepers to enhance and promote this typical product. An ideal opportunity to discover the area’s treasures is the Mushroom, Honey, and Truffle Festival, held every year in early October. This event celebrates not only Zavattarello’s “liquid gold” but also other woodland delicacies, offering visitors an experience rich in taste and tradition, deeply rooted in local history.

Zavattarello is also a vibrant cultural hub, thanks to its noteworthy museum spaces. Inside the Dal Verme Castle is the MAC “Giuseppe and Titina Dal Verme”, a contemporary art collection dedicated to Milanese artist Giuseppe Dal Verme and his wife Titina Gavazzi. The museum’s halls regularly host exhibitions and events in collaboration with the Luciana Matalon Foundation of Milan, establishing a bridge between the village’s history and modern artistic expression. Another unmissable site is the “Warehouse of Memories” museum, dedicated to rural art and culture. Here, visitors can take part in hands-on workshops that revive ancient crafts, offering an authentic journey through the rural traditions of the Oltrepò Pavese.