On Sunday 20 September 2026 the FAI branch of Oltrepò Pavese presents The King's Lunch in Montebello della Battaglia, a lunch that recreates the very menu served a hundred years ago to Prince Umberto di Savoia, the future king of Italy, at Palazzo De Ghislanzoni. The event starts at 11:30 am, with a welcome aperitif, lunch, a visit to the palace and garden, and stories told by FAI volunteers about that day in 1926.

In 1926 Prince Umberto di Savoia was travelling through Oltrepò and was hosted for lunch with local dignitaries at Palazzo De Ghislanzoni, one of the fine residences of Montebello della Battaglia. Photographs and a menu signed by the future king, still kept by the De Ghislanzoni family, remain from that day. A hundred years to the day after that meeting, FAI is recreating the same lunch in the same room.

After a welcome aperitif, the lunch follows the courses served a century ago: risotto alla milanese with truffle, salmon in hollandaise sauce with oil and lemon, lamb delicacies, spit-roasted guinea fowl with lettuce hearts, pineapple sorbet, small pastries and fresh fruit, served with water, wine pairings and coffee.

The contribution also covers a visit to the palace, now a private property, and to the garden overlooking the plain, opened for the occasion thanks to the generosity of the owning family. Volunteers from the FAI branch of Oltrepò Pavese share the details of Umberto di Savoia's visit and the history of the residence.

The table is set to recall the one from a hundred years ago, with floral arrangements by Come nelle favole of Casteggio and catering by Vittoria Banqueting of Torricella Verzate. 1920s music plays in the background.

The event is on Sunday 20 September 2026 at 11:30 am at Palazzo De Ghislanzoni, Via Morelli di Popolo 25-27, in Montebello della Battaglia (PV). Parking is available on the streets of the village or in the square next to the palace.

Seats are limited and online booking is required. The contribution starts at €75 for FAI members, including lunch and the visit to the palace and garden; for non-members it is €85. When booking, please indicate any allergies or intolerances. Dogs are not allowed.

Online booking: https://faiprenotazioni.fondoambiente.it/evento/il-pranzo-del-re-61042/

When is The King's Lunch?

Sunday 20 September 2026, at 11:30 am.

Where does the event take place?

At Palazzo De Ghislanzoni, Via Morelli di Popolo 25-27, Montebello della Battaglia (PV).

What does the contribution include?

A welcome aperitif, lunch with the 1926 menu, a visit to the palace and garden, and stories from FAI volunteers.

How much does it cost to take part?

€75 for FAI members, €85 for non-members.

Do I need to book?

Yes, seats are limited and online booking is required.

Who organises the event?

The FAI branch of Oltrepò Pavese.

Please indicate any food allergies or intolerances when booking. Dogs are not allowed at the event.

Official page and booking: https://faiprenotazioni.fondoambiente.it/evento/il-pranzo-del-re-61042/

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