Bobbio

Bobbio is a charming medieval town located in the Trebbia Valley in the province of Piacenza, at the center of the area known as the “Apennines of the 4 provinces,” where the borders of the provinces of Piacenza, Genoa, Alessandria and Pavia converge. Known since the Middle Ages as the “Montecassino of the North” for the fame of the Abbey founded in 614 by the Irish monk St. Columbanus, Bobbio has been a renowned spiritual and cultural center.

The village has retained its medieval charm with narrow streets, stone houses and stately mansions, growing up around the monastery. This place steeped in history and culture is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes that help make it a popular vacation destination, appreciated as much by history and art lovers as by outdoor tourism enthusiasts.

Bobbio holds Orange Flag awards from the Italian Touring Club and is a member of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. In 2019, it received the title of Borgo dei Borghi in a contest by Rai 3’s Kilimangiaro program. Its atmosphere can be experienced in all seasons, each with its own colors and suggestions. During the summer, Bobbio also transforms into a seaside resort thanks to the cool waters of the Trebbia River, which attract many bathers and sunbathers.

Places not to be missed include the characteristic Gobbo Bridge, symbol of the town, the Basilica of San Colombano with its precious treasures, museums that tell the story of the area and monastic life, and the Malaspina dal Verme Castle that dominates the town. The town also offers various possibilities for outdoor sports enthusiasts and those seeking moments of relaxation in nature.

In addition to being rich in art and culture, Bobbio boasts a long list of typical local dishes (which make up Piacenza’s culinary tradition) that have been handed down here for many generations, and represent another typical trait in which the socio-cultural melting pot from which it has benefited over the centuries stands out.

The maccheroni alla bobbiese, which has received DE.CO certification, is worth tasting. This is a typical fresh pasta made by hand using a knitting needle topped with a stracotto sauce. Snails bobbiese style, a traditional Christmas Eve dish, but one that can often be enjoyed in the winter period, and the delicious crunchy made with almonds and sugar to which the skilled hands of local producers know how to give surprising shapes. Pinoli alla ricotta or pìn (in dialect pé da lésa: sled foot, because of the typical shape), gnocchetti verdi alla ricotta, traditional small dumplings with a mushroom sauce; brachettone alla bobbiese (bràcton, a trotter made with pork shoulder, tanned or seasoned).

Throughout the year, Bobbio hosts cultural events, film festivals and literary events, enriching village life and offering visitors multiple ways to experience and discover the area.

In short, Bobbio is a microcosm of history, art, nature and culinary traditions waiting to be explored, able to fascinate with its uniqueness and the variety of experiences it offers.