Barge
Discovering Barge, the town at the foot of the Cozie Alps
If you are in search of a peaceful place to spend your vacation and enjoy the Alpine landscape, Barge is the perfect option! This town of 7,471 inhabitants, located in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont, is situated at the foot of the Cozie Alps, near Monte Bracco and Monte Medìa.
Physical geography
Barge is a very picturesque area, crossed by two streams, the Chiappera and the Infernotto, which join together to form a third river, the Ghiandone, which flows into the Po River near Staffarda. The main settlement extends to about 360/390 meters above sea level, in a basin at the foot of the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding region.
Origins of the name
The name Barge derives from the ancient word ''barga'', which has always sparked much discussion among scholars. According to some, it means "shelter/hut/dwelling", while others believe it may be related to an ancient root ''* berg-/* barg-/* breg-/* brig-'', which means "elevation of the land/mountain". In other regions of Italy, there are cities or places that bear the same name, such as the city of Barga in the province of Lucca, in Tuscany.
History
Barge has been inhabited since ancient times. On the summit of Monte Bracco and Monte Medìa, there are interesting pre-Roman rock carvings, but little is known about them. The Celtic-Ligurian culture of the Taurini also settled in the municipal territory, which was influenced by the great settlement on the Rocca di Cavour.
Later on, the territory of Barge was part of the Roman mercantile settlement called ''Forum Vibii Cabur''. In the twelfth century, the Abbey of Santa Maria di Staffarda was founded, which contributed to the growth of the medieval center of Cavour, now located 6 kilometers from the center of Barge.
What to see in Barge
The town center of Barge offers many opportunities to spend a vacation amidst nature and adventure. One of the activities to do is certainly hiking in the mountains, exploring Monte Bracco or Monte Medìa, which offer breathtaking views of the region. History enthusiasts can also visit the rock carvings found on the mountains around Barge.
The historical center of Barge is another place to visit, with its ancient churches, such as the Church of Sant'Ambrogio. Nearby is also the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Boschi, where you can admire a beautiful wooden altar.
For those interested in local crafts, Barge offers the opportunity to visit the studio of Antonio Sacco Esq. Second, an artist who creates unique sculptures from wood sourced from the nearby forests.
Events and traditions
Barge is a city that celebrates local traditions and festivals, such as the Marrone Fair, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. The festival is held every year in mid-October and celebrates the harvest of chestnuts, typical of the mountains of the region. During these festive days, you can taste typical dishes prepared with fresh chestnuts.
A more recent tradition is instead that of the Gelato Festival, which has been held every year since 2001 in August. This event features handmade ice cream as the protagonist, accompanied by musical performances and events for children.
Conclusions
In summary, if you are looking for an authentic and peaceful destination to spend your vacation in Piedmont, Barge is definitely a place to consider. It offers nature, history, tradition, and events to have fun and enjoy the relaxing climate of the Italian countryside.
