Bargagli

A Brief Guide to the Municipality of Bargagli, Liguria

If you are looking for a hidden gem in the Ligurian hinterland, Bargagli might be the perfect place for you. Located in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, the municipality of Bargagli has around 2500 inhabitants and enchants with its mountainous location, offering beautiful open-air days. Learn more about this municipality and its history.

Discover Bargagli: history and nature in the heart of Liguria.

Physical Geography

Territory

Bargagli is located inside the Val Bisagno, crossed by the Bisagno stream that divides the territory from the adjacent municipality of Davagna. The municipality is characterized by the presence of four mountains: Monte Croce dei Fo', Monte Croce di Bragalla, Monte di Traso, and Monte Costa Lione. The highest peak in the area is Monte Croce dei Fo', which reaches a height of 973 meters. The name derives from the word "fò" in the Ligurian language, which means "Fagus".

Climate

Bargagli has a sub-Mediterranean climate transitioning to the Apennines. Precipitation is mainly concentrated in the fall and spring, while snowfall occurs almost every year, especially in January.

History

Bargagli could be one of the oldest Italian municipalities, with architectural traces dating back to the Western Roman Empire. Three bridges, still passable in the historic hamlets of Mulino, La Presa, and Sottovaxe, lead to the belief that the inhabited center originated in that period. The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, in the municipality of Bargagli, was consecrated in 916. Until the 18th century, the area was under the dominion of the Republic of Genoa, under the jurisdiction of the podesteria of Albaro and Bisagno.

With the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797, Bargagli became part of the Bisagno Department and from April 28, 1798, became the capital of the V canton of the Bisagno jurisdiction. In 1815 it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia and later into the Kingdom of Italy.

From 1944 to 1985, Bargagli became famous for the events related to the "monster of Bargagli". A series of unsolved murders terrorized the municipality, known as the "Vitelli gang" murders. The gang was nicknamed after the sale of meat on the black market during World War II.

Conclusions

The municipality of Bargagli is a hidden gem in the Ligurian hinterland, perfect for nature and history lovers. With its mountains and ancient bridges, Bargagli has a lot to offer. If you are looking for a peaceful vacation in nature, far from the chaos of big cities, Bargagli might be the ideal place for you.

Fabio Marino
Wrote by Fabio Marino
Updated Friday, Feb 25, 2022