Voghera

Voghera is a town and comune located in the Province of Pavia in the Lombardy region of Italy, situated approximately 30 kilometers south-southwest of Pavia on the Staffora River. With a population of around 38,000 residents, it ranks as the third most populated town in the province. The town serves as the main hub of the Oltrepò Pavese area and functions as an important rail and road junction, while also gaining recognition as a renowned wine producer in the region.

The history of Voghera extends back to ancient times when it was known as Iria and served as a way station on the road between Piacenza and Tortona. Augustus established it as a Roman colony called Forum Iulium Iriensium. After being destroyed by the Rugii in the first century, the settlement reemerged in the tenth century as Viqueria. Following periods under various lordships, Voghera was acquired by the House of Savoy in 1743 through the Treaty of Worms, receiving city status five years later. The town experienced significant occupation during the Napoleonic Wars and subsequent European conflicts, with Napoleon even establishing headquarters there in 1800. During World War II, Voghera endured heavy Allied bombing due to its strategic location on major transportation routes. The town is also remembered for the tragic 1962 railway disaster that claimed 62 lives.

The town boasts notable architectural landmarks including a castle erected by the Visconti between 1335 and 1372, featuring frescoes attributed to Bramantino, and a Cathedral of Saint Lawrence. Palazzo Gounela currently serves as the Town Hall.