Historical Background
Rovaiolo Vecchio, an ancient village nestled in the mountains of Pavia province, lies halfway between Milan and the sea. Before the advent of highways and railways, the road passing through Rovaiolo Vecchio was crucial for importing salt to the Po Valley’s population centers.
The Sudden Evacuation
In 1960, local officials ordered the immediate evacuation of the village due to an imminent threat: the mountain was reportedly sliding towards it. Within hours, residents packed their belongings and left for temporary housing. Ironically, the predicted landslide never occurred, and the village remained intact. However, a new village built on the other side of the river to replace Rovaiolo Vecchio was later destroyed by a landslide.
Present Day Rovaiolo Vecchio
Today, Rovaiolo Vecchio stands in the same state of abandonment as it did the day it was evacuated. Tables in houses still hold empty glasses, and unopened bottles of wine can be found at the entrance of a cellar. Despite various proposals to repopulate the village or turn it into an artists’ haven, none have come to fruition. This leaves the village with an eerie yet captivating atmosphere, frozen in time.
Visiting Rovaiolo Vecchio
How to Get There
To visit Rovaiolo Vecchio, you will need to park your vehicle on road 186 near the intersection with the road to Colombaie. From there, it’s a short walk of less than half an hour to reach the village.
Tips for Visitors
When exploring Rovaiolo Vecchio, please respect the area. Look around and appreciate the historical ambiance, but do not remove any objects or disturb the site. The village offers a unique glimpse into the past, preserved in a state of perpetual abandonment.
Rovaiolo Vecchio remains a poignant reminder of a bygone era, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the untouched remnants of a once-vital mountain village.
