Trebbia Valley

by Donna
(Connecticut, USA)

On my first trip to Italy, I focused on the usual; Rome, Florence, Siena - all wonderful. As part of that first trip, I had the opportunity to make a weekend visit to a hill town near Piacenza. It was magical and showed me that Italy off the beaten path is enchanting.

Since that first visit, I have seen, in no small part thanks to suggestions found on My Italy, many small towns and less famous sights. Now on my visits, I seek out new and unusual towns.

One fine example is Bobbio, a small town in the province of Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna. Located in the Trebbia River valley west of Piacenza (near Milan), Bobbio is lovely, made remarkable by a long ancient bridge which leads from the city walls across the Trebbia.

The town has a lovely abbey, a charming central piazza and hosts an annual movie festival. My favorite restaurant in the town is Albergo Ristorante Piacentino, which is on the main square. There is a side patio and the back is a garden for dining al fresco.

And after visiting Bobbio, follow the Trebbia to the west and stop in tiny Brugnello, a walled village which sits high atop a mountain peak. Amazing vistas and, at the very pinnacle, a small chapel - go to the back of it for a breathtaking view of the valley below.
There is a good restaurant in Brugnello, Ristorante Rocca Rosa. Delicious food in a unique setting (eat outside if weather permits on the covered patio).

Unfortunately I do not have photos of the bridge in Bobbio - but please google and look at images of the bridge

Maria's reply: Thank you for the great tip Donna - I really appreciate it :)

Comments for Trebbia Valley

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 11, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Off the beaten track
by: Marylyn

Hi Donna,

What a great read. And yes, you sure did find some wonderful and obscure places to visit.

I did what you suggested and Googled the bridge.

This is what I found out ...

Quote ...
'The story goes that Satan hoped to get a human soul in exchange for building the bridge, but was tricked… and took out his fury on the bridge itself, with a kick so powerful the structure became lopsided, or "humpbacked" (hence the Italian nickname, Ponte Gobbo).'

Hope that is the bridge that you were referring to.

What a quaint story.

Here's to more adventures and stories.

Addio,
Marylyn

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Share Your Secrets.

If you enjoy my site, I'd love your support.

All you need to do is book your accommodation via this link or any of the other hotel links on the website. Whether it's for travel to Italy... or anywhere else on earth, your support means the world to us.

You'll get the best deal available, and the income helps us stay independent and keep bringing you the best of Italy. 

Click to begin