Il Polentone di Retorbido

The beautiful spring festival dedicated to the wise farmer Bertoldo

In the municipality of Retorbido in Oltrepò Pavese, the second Sunday of March is an unmissable event for thousands of people. The town celebrates the Polenta and Salamini Festival, honoring its legendary protagonist, Bertoldo. According to local folklore, Bertoldo was born in Retorbido, not Bertagnana, as others claim. The festival features a lively market, music, and a parade with nobles, peasants, and revelers. As tradition goes, the event ends with the sharing of polenta and salamini. The celebration reached its 100th edition in 2018.

Photo by Trait d'Union e associazione Camperisti di Retorbido

106° Polentone di Retorbido

Retorbido PV

08/03/2026

Food & Wine

Pane di San Siro

I San Sirini: a typical sweet of the feast of the patron saint of Pavia

Food & Wine

Torta Paradiso

The iconic dessert of Pavia's tradition

Food & Wine

Peperone di Voghera

The Voghera pepper is a native and valuable variety that deserves special attention for its unique organoleptic characteristics.

Food & Wine

Wine Cellars in Casteggio

An ancient village in the Oltrepò Pavese, rich in high quality vineyards

Food & Wine

Voghera Golden Onions

The golden onion was already cultivated in the 19th century in the countryside around Voghera.

Food & Wine

Wine and Flavor Trail Oltrepò Pavese

Oltrepo Pavese has always been recognized for its wines and most of those who have had the pleasure of going to this part of the province of Pavia, will remember above all its hills and stretches of vine rows

Food & Wine

Zuppa Pavese Recipe

The pavese soup, taste of old dishes, those that were born from the few ingredients available

Food & Wine

Il Butalà

A dish from the Pavia Apennines featuring Deco Brallo potato gnocchi and Menconico black truffle.

Food & Wine

Brasadè di Staghiglione

Il Brasadè, ciambelline d’origine ottocentesca

Food & Wine

Risotto e rane

Risotto with frogs, a symbolic dish of the Lomellina tradition

Food & Wine

Flavours of the Oltrepò Pavese: Autumnal weekends away within a stone’s throw of Milan

Discover Pavese – Enjoy an autumn weekend of tradition, culture and flavour among the most charming villages of the Oltrepò Pavese. Take a look at this list of ideas and get inspired.

Food & Wine

Zucca Berrettina di Lungavilla

In Lungavilla, a pumpkin known as “Capé da prèvi” (priest’s hat) is cultivated, named for its shape, which resembles the headgear worn by priests.

Food & Wine

Malfatti: a culinary delight from the Oltrepò Pavese

Traditional dish of the rural heritage of the Oltrepò Pavese

Food & Wine

The Province of Pavia, the Italian and European Capital of Rice

Food & Wine

Cipolla Rossa di Breme

The Breme Red Onion has been documented since the 10th century, dating back to the foundation of the famous abbey, which in the following centuries became one of the most important in Europe.

Food & Wine

A toast to the vineyards and wineries of Lombardy

Lombard vineyards and wineries are eager to welcome tourists and visitors to enjoy the last phases of the harvest.

Food & Wine

La schita dell’Oltrepò Pavese

A treasure of rural tradition

Food & Wine

Cencerate Potatoes

This high-quality potato is still produced in small quantities in a hamlet of the Municipality of Brallo di Pregola.

Food & Wine

Le Palle di Agilulfo

A traditional dessert from Lomello

Food & Wine

Bata Lavar

A traditional pasta dish from the town of Canneto Pavese

Food & Wine