Discover Sala: Trails, History and Regional Traditions

Sala is clearly of Lombard origin. The term “sala” referred to the lord’s hall in aristocratic residences.

Hiking trails across valleys and ridges

The Sentiero dei Brignati is an approximately 5 km-long hiking trail connecting Brallo with Fego. Along its route, the trail crosses the Montagnola several times and reaches the Grotta dei Briganti after about 30 minutes; the cave consists of large granite blocks. The Sentiero dei Brignati also follows a mule track to the Bosco dei Giganti, a forest with centuries-old chestnut trees.

The Via del Sale is a circular route with its turning point at the 1,699 m-high Monte Chiappo, where Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna meet. Its route follows a ridge marking the border between the Piedmontese Valle Curone and the Lombard Valle Staffora. Another route leads from the Sala hamlet towards Vendemiassi and Casanova di Destra, and then to Casanova di Sinistra after crossing the bridge over the Staffora. Historic trails such as the Via del Sale and the Sentiero del Brigante are part of the Ecomuseo dell’Appennino Lombardo.

Roman history and distinctive village settings

The Roman kiln complex at Massinigo dates from the 3rd century BC, was discovered in 1957 and is considered one of the best-preserved complexes in Lombardy, as well as the only one of its kind identified to date in the Oltrepò Pavese. To arrange a visit, contact the municipal office of Santa Margherita di Staffora by telephone on 0383 551100. In the historic centre of Massinigo, the Giardino delle Rose features numerous rose varieties as well as two statues dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette Soubirous.

Regional customs also give the journey its own distinctive character. The Carnevale Bianco di Cegni is a traditional folkloric event held in August and dedicated to the wedding between the “brutto” and the “povera donna”. It includes traditional music played on pipe instruments and accordions, typical dances, a dinner and a large dance evening.

Salami, museum and winter options

At the Ecomuseo dell’Appennino Lombardo, you can taste Salame di Varzi as a typical local product. The Museo del Salumiere documents salami production through historical documents, photographs, a reconstruction of a 1930s salami shop, a curing cellar and the tools used for this purpose.

Pian del Poggio is a ski resort in the municipality of Santa Margherita di Staffora; since 2015, three runs have been considered active there. The Campeggio Pian del Lago is listed at Loc. Pian del Lago 44 in Santa Margherita di Staffora (PV). The Antica Trattoria del Ginepro is accessed via a public road.

More places for planning your trip

For further orientation, you can also explore Montesegale, Bressana, Broni, Carbonara al Ticino, Castello D'agogna, Borgarello, Godiasco and Montecalvo Versiggia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pavia.