On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden in Romagnese bids farewell to the summer season with two special events dedicated to the history of Oltrepò Pavese and the protection of nature.

There is a special way to say goodbye to summer in Oltrepò Pavese: visit the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden, in Romagnese, and discover a unique setting where history, archaeology, biodiversity and the future of the territory come together.

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the 2026 programme of “Pietra Corva, What a Surprise!” comes to a close. Throughout the summer, the initiative has offered visitors a programme of events, talks, excursions and activities exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the Upper Oltrepò Pavese.

The final afternoon features two events: at 3:30 pm, archaeologist Stefano Maggi will take the audience on a journey through the ancient history of Oltrepò, while at 4:30 pm, naturalist Francesco Gatti will discuss nature conservation, biodiversity and the future of the area.

The programme for Sunday, September 6

3:30 pm – Oltrepò Between the Celts and Romans (and Hannibal’s Ghost)

The first event focuses on the ancient history of the area.

With “Oltrepò Between the Celts and Romans (and Hannibal’s Ghost)”, Stefano Maggi will explore the historical events that shaped Oltrepò Pavese in ancient times, a territory that has always played an important role as a route connecting the Po Valley with the Apennines.

Celts, Romans and historical memory provide an opportunity to look at the landscape of Oltrepò from a different perspective, connecting the villages, woods and vineyards we know today with the civilizations that crossed and inhabited this territory.

The reference to Hannibal adds an intriguing dimension to the talk, evoking one of the most fascinating episodes in the history of northern Italy.

4:30 pm – Nature Conservation in Oltrepò: Current Situation and Future Prospects

At 4:30 pm, the focus shifts to nature with the talk “Nature Conservation in Oltrepò: Current Situation and Future Prospects”, presented by naturalist Francesco Gatti.

The event will provide an opportunity to discuss the natural heritage of Oltrepò Pavese, the conservation of its ecosystems and the challenges facing the territory in the coming years.

This is a particularly meaningful topic at Pietra Corva, where botany, scientific research, environmental education and the conservation of biodiversity have come together for decades.

The Pietra Corva Botanical Garden: a unique place in Oltrepò Pavese

The Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden is located at an altitude of approximately 950 metres, on the slopes of Monte Pietra di Corvo, in the municipality of Romagnese, in the heart of the Sassi Neri-Pietra Corva Site of Community Importance.

The garden is one of the most distinctive natural attractions in the Province of Pavia. Its collections bring together plants from different mountain environments and offer visitors the opportunity to discover alpine and mountain flora in an exceptional Apennine setting.

The history of the Botanical Garden is closely linked to veterinarian and naturalist Antonio Ridella, who developed the project in the 1960s. The garden officially opened to the public in 1967.

Today, Pietra Corva combines scientific, educational, environmental and tourism functions, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the natural heritage of the Apennines.

An opportunity to discover Upper Oltrepò Pavese

The September 6 event is also an excellent opportunity to explore an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Botanical Garden is surrounded by woods, Apennine landscapes and areas of significant environmental value. A visit to Pietra Corva can therefore become part of a wider itinerary through Romagnese and Upper Oltrepò Pavese, discovering mountain villages, hiking trails, landscapes and local traditions.

The 2026 programme has also highlighted the wider environmental and cultural heritage of the area through excursions, workshops and talks.

Practical information

Event: Pietra Corva, What a Surprise! – Season Finale
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Location: Pietra Corva Botanical Garden, Parco Monte Pietra Corva, 27050 Romagnese (PV), Italy
3:30 pm: “Oltrepò Between the Celts and Romans (and Hannibal’s Ghost)” with Stefano Maggi
4:30 pm: “Nature Conservation in Oltrepò: Current Situation and Future Prospects” with Francesco Gatti

Admission on Sunday, September 6 is FREE for everyone, as it is the first Sunday of September.

The Botanical Garden is open to the public on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm. Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended, especially for those planning to explore the surrounding area.

FAQ – Pietra Corva, What a Surprise!

Where does the September 6 event take place?
The event takes place at the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden, in Parco Monte Pietra Corva, in Romagnese, Province of Pavia.

What is happening at Pietra Corva on Sunday, September 6, 2026?
Two talks are scheduled: at 3:30 pm, Stefano Maggi will discuss Oltrepò between the Celts and Romans, while at 4:30 pm Francesco Gatti will focus on nature conservation in Oltrepò and its future prospects.

Is admission free on September 6?
Yes. Admission is free for everyone on Sunday, September 6, 2026, because it is the first Sunday of the month.

Where is the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden located?
The garden is located in Romagnese, in Upper Oltrepò Pavese, at approximately 950 metres above sea level on the slopes of Monte Pietra di Corvo.

When is the Botanical Garden open?
The Botanical Garden is open to visitors on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm, according to the official opening calendar.

Sunday, September 6 is therefore the perfect opportunity for a double discovery: the ancient history of Oltrepò and its extraordinary natural heritage. A final summer appointment at Pietra Corva, already looking ahead to the next season.

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