The area is named after its location south of the River Po as considered from the provincial capital Pavia and in general from the rest of Lombardy.

Extending over an area of c. 1,100 km2 (420 sq mi), it is roughly triangular in shape, with a base to the north formed by the Po and a southern apex at Monte Lesima (1,724 m (5,656 ft)), a mountain of the Ligurian Apennines which is the highest point in the province.

The principal settlements are Voghera, Casteggio, Broni, Stradella, Santa Maria della Versa, Salice Terme and Varzi.

[2] The current borders of Oltrepò Pavese date back to 1164, when the emperor Frederick I donated the entire territory to the city of Pavia, his ally against the Lombard League.

The area offers several attractions: rolling hills, medieval villages and castles, panoramic views, authentic Italian food and local wines.

One of typical dishes is the Sunday's lunch in which all of the servings of the Italian menu (antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, dolci) pass by, sometimes even twice.

[8] The recipe for this stuffed pasta is characterized by influences from Piedmontese and Piacentino cuisine, characteristics of areas that border the Oltrepò Pavese.