Bagnaria
Bagnaria: a historical town
Bagnaria is an Italian town with 632 inhabitants located in the province of Pavia in Lombardy. Its history is deeply linked to the Malaspina family, an Italian noble family that was invested by the Holy Roman Empire in 1164. Bagnaria was one of their fiefs until 1413 when the branch of the family that owned the castle of Olivola in Lunigiana was assassinated and their assets were dispersed. Bagnaria was then acquired by the Busseti nobles of Tortona. The city passed to the Fieschi of Genoa in 1485 and later to the Doria princes.
Life in Bagnaria
Bagnaria was an exempt fief, which had autonomous jurisdiction and a privileged position compared to other fiefs of the Oltrepò Pavese. In 1630, Bagnaria established a market for goods coming from Genoa, but this was prohibited the following year by the Senate of Milan. In 1656, Bagnaria was emancipated from the Duchy of Milan under the autonomous jurisdiction of the Doria Landi. Since 1743, the Savoia claimed complete sovereignty of Bagnaria and granted it to Prince Don Giovanni Andrea IV Doria Landi as a feudal jurisdiction.
The end of the imperial fief
In 1790, Bagnaria passed under the Deputation of Government and Justice of Genoa as the supreme magistrate. The Prince Doria Landi exercised the last judicial instance with independent jurisdiction and the autonomous appointment of fiscal magistratures and notaries. The imperial fief was abolished with the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1863, the city changed its name from Bagnara to Bagnaria.
Conclusions
Bagnaria is a historical town that has undergone many transformations over the years. Its history is marked by the Malaspina, Busseti, Fieschi and Doria families, until it reached the hands of the Savoia and finally what we know now. Despite the changes, Bagnaria remains a unique town in its privileged position, feudal sovereignty, and judicial and fiscal autonomy. Today, Bagnaria is a picturesque small town where traditions and history blend perfectly with modern life.
