Bobbio: the village of villages

Bobbio - Bobbio is an Italian town located in the province of Piacenza, in the Trebbia valley, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. For its charm and its particular characteristics, Bobbio was awarded the title of Borgo dei Borghi 2019. The territory has ancient origins: it has been inhabited since the Neolithic, but its history is identified with the foundation of the Abbey of San Colombano in 614.

Just San Colombano gives life to one of the most fascinating legends of the area: the one concerning the construction of Ponte Gobbo (or Ponte del Diavolo). According to an ancient tradition, the Devil contacted San Colombano, promising him to build the bridge in one night, in exchange for the first mortal soul who would cross it; the saint accepted and the following night the Devil built the work. In the morning the Devil was waiting for his compensation, but San Colombano sent him a dog. The devil, on a rampage, went back to Hell, but first kicked the bridge, which has been a 'hunchback' ever since. Characteristic of Bobbio is that in many activities in the area it is possible to notice the sign 'Bottega Storica' posted outside, a symbol of the fact that in that shop it is possible to find artisanal and precious products, processed as they did in the past.