What is a Borgo? Discover the Best Small Towns it Italy
When it comes to exploring the beauty of Italy, the large cities often steal the spotlight. However, the charm of its small towns – borgo (or borghi, in plural) – offers a unique slice of Italian culture, history, and breathtaking scenery that simply cannot be missed. Let’s discover some of the best small towns in Italy that you should consider visiting.
Borgo in Italian is a beautiful small village in Italy that originated during the Middle Ages. Some are fortified and located on hills, others by lakes, hidden in mountain ranges, or, situated along rivers in lush green valleys. Many are steeped in history, some feature stunning natural wonders, and others are rich in culture, art and cuisine. All of them are charming and are often mention amont the best places to visit in Italy for an authentic vacation.
To choose the best borghi to visit, we recommend using the website I Borghi più belli d’Italia. The website is available in both Italian and English and is very user-friendly. On the map, you can select your region and see which borghi are there, learn about their history, and discover their main traditional products and dishes. Then, it’s just a matter of selecting your mode of transportation and planning your route.
For example, one of the charming borghi near Milan is Bobbio, located not far from Milan (province of Piacenza).
Bobbio is a small medieval village (about 3,500 inhabitants) located in one of the most picturesque valleys in Italy, the Val Trebbia, and is one of the best small towns in Italy to visit. It was officially voted the most beautiful village in Italy in 2019.
After 20 years of work by the local administration, the town finally received the recognition it deserved. When a passion for one’s land meets the undeniable beauty of the landscape, the birth of something magical is guaranteed. Even the writer Ernest Hemingway called the Val Trebbia Valley the most charming in the world. Hemingway did actually cross this valley in 1945 as a journalist following a motorcade of Liberation troops and was struck by the beauty of the river, furrowing its way down the green slopes and flowing off into the distance towards the sea.
The river flowing through the village evokes many memories for its residents, and its sweet sound makes both locals and random visitors smile and fall silent.
The history of Bobbio is linked to Saint Columbanus, an Irish monk who arrived in Bobbio in the year 614 after traveling through Europe to spread the word of God. He founded a monastery here, which became one of the most important cultural centers of medieval Italy. The heart of the monastery is the basilica, which preserves a beautiful 12th-century floor mosaic. It is said that this very monastery inspired Umberto Eco to write the famous novel The Name of the Rose.
Finally, one of the most important and impressive sights of the village is the Ponte Vecchio, a 280-meter-long Romanesque bridge with 11 arches, each of which is different, making it truly unique. Some historians believe that this is the very bridge seen behind the Monna Lisa in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting – whether that’s true or not, the bridge is indeed impressive! Because of its distinctive undulating shape, it is also known as the “Devil’s Bridge”, as the legend says it was built by the devil himself.
After exploring these sights, don’t forget to set aside time to try some of Bobbio’s delicious dishes, such as maccheroni bobbizi – long fresh pasta with stewed beef or mushroom sauce (the recipe dates back to the Middle Ages when the dough was wrapped around a knitting needle) and gnocco fritto – fried bread dough served with smoked meat or cheese.
This place is perfect for a weekend getaway: there’s plenty to do not only in the town but also in the surrounding area. For instance, you can relax in thermal springs located just 2 km from the town center, or take a hike up to the old shrine at the top of Mount Peniche (1,460 m above sea level). If you visit Bobbio in the summer months, be sure to bring your swimsuit. The waters of the Trebbia River are still quite clean, and you can take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a swim. Check this link for more ideas about local attrations, restaurants & hotels.
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