Bobbio between the Trebbia, monasteries and pilgrimage routes

Trebbia and pilgrimage routes

The Natura 2000 site “Fiume Trebbia da Perino a Bobbio” encompasses the riverbed and banks of the Trebbia from Perino to Bobbio, precisely as far as Ponte Gobbo. In the protected Trebbia area, the ophiolitic outcrop of Monte Barberino contributes to great botanical diversity, with numerous rare and protected plant species. Ponte Gobbo can be crossed on foot or by bicycle and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Bobbio lies on the Via degli Abati, also known as the Francigena di Montagna, and on the Cammino di San Colombano. The regional section of the Cammino ends at the Abbey of Bobbio; an additional section of approximately 8 kilometres leads from Bobbio to the Grotta di San Michele.

Monasteries, churches and palazzi

The Abbey of San Colombano was founded by San Colombano in 614 and developed during the Middle Ages into one of Italy’s most important monasteries, with considerable religious and cultural influence. The Basilica di San Colombano preserves frescoes, works of art and a baptismal font donated by Queen Theodolinda. The saint’s mortal remains lie in the crypt, which also houses a collection of early Christian mosaics.

Bobbio Cathedral was built in the 10th century and later supplemented with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements. The present-day Santuario Beata Vergine dell’Aiuto was built between 1621 and 1641 and consecrated on 13 July 1738. The Santuario includes the original 15th-century chapel, known as the Chiesa dell’Annunciazione di Maria, as well as a sanctuary with an old aedicule and a miraculous fresco of the Madonna.

The Franciscan settlement complex in Bobbio is considered the oldest Franciscan establishment in northern Italy; construction work on the Ex Convento di San Francesco was completed in 1233. Castello Malaspina dal Verme was built from 1304 onwards at the request of Corradino Malaspina.

Palazzo Malaspina features arcaded porticoes, galleries, large courtyards, the family stables and richly frescoed rooms. The family library and family archive contain numerous historical documents; they also hold the complete catalogue of the codices once present in the scriptorium of the Abbey of San Colombano.

Museums and orientation

The Museo Collezione Mazzolini is housed in the monumental rooms of the San Colombano monastery. The Museo della Città di Bobbio presents the history of the town from antiquity to the present day through archaeological finds, manuscripts, paintings and works of art. The Museo Etnografico della Val Trebbia is located in two rural buildings dating from the 15th to the 16th century and displays traditional clothing, household items from the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as evidence of traditional rural occupations. It also documents traditional dairy processing with butter churns and other cheese-making equipment.

The free Bobbio Mon Amour app offers an interactive tour of art, history, culture, landscape, food and well-being in Bobbio. The tourist information office provides information and visitor materials about Bobbio and the Alta Val Trebbia. The nearest railway station is in Piacenza, approximately 45 kilometres from the town.

If winter sports are part of your travel plans, Le Vallette di Ceci, 11 kilometres from Bobbio, has a cross-country ski trail with a 10-kilometre course and loops of 7.5, 5, 3 and 2 kilometres.

Other places in the surrounding area

Forno, Gazzola, Vigolzone, Casa Nuova, Podenzano, Bolgheri, Oneto and Caminata

For the higher-level travel overview: Piacenza.