Fontanigorda

Fontanigórda, a green oasis in the heart of Liguria

Fontanigórda is a small town in the heart of Liguria, located on the left bank of the river Pescia, a right tributary of the Trebbia river in the metropolitan city of Genoa. With its 240 inhabitants, it is a perfect destination for those seeking some peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The area, surrounded by nature, offers many activities suitable for the whole family such as trekking, horse riding, birdwatching, and much more.

History of Fontanigórda

Fontanigórda derives its name from the abundance of water in the area, evidenced by the presence of fourteen fountains at the corners of the streets. The territory belonged to the abbey of San Colombano since the Lombard era. From the 11th century, it became the domain of the Malaspina family, and later a fief of the Fieschi family. After being owned by the Genoese Doria family, it became part of the Republic of Genoa from the 13th century and, thanks to the numerous privileges granted by the city, it became an autonomous municipality starting from the 18th century. In 1797, during the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte, it was included in the Department of Eastern Ligurian Mountains, with Ottone (Italy) as its capital, inside the Ligurian Republic. In 1815, together with other municipalities, it was incorporated into the province of Bobbio in the Kingdom of Sardinia (1720-1861), according to the decisions of the Congress of Vienna in 1814. From 1859, it was part of the Bobbio district of the province of Pavia. Later, the Royal Decree-Law No.1726 dated July 8, 1923, signed by King Vittorio Emanuele III of Savoy, established the transfer to the Genoa district in the Province of Genoa.

Fontanigórda: a charming oasis of peace in the heart of Liguria.

The beauty of the territory of Fontanigórda

The beauty of the territory of Fontanigórda will be appreciated especially by the most experienced hikers who will have the opportunity to tackle the heights that surround it. Among the peaks in the area are Mount Collere (1289 m), Mount Laghicciola (1260 m), Mount Vernallo (1072 m), and Poggio dello Zucchero (901 m). The area also offers many possibilities for nature lovers, with breathtaking panoramas and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Here you can admire the magnificent colors of autumn, while in spring you can enjoy the freshness of green meadows.

An important historical event: the flood of 1908

An important historical event is the flood of 1908, which caused an extraordinary flood of the Trebbia that devastated homes and countryside especially in the territory of the Bobbio District and between the borders of the provinces of Genoa and Pavia, causing severe damage in the town of Gorreto, destroying five bridges along the State Road 45 of Val Trebbia, including two in the hamlet of Due Ponti along the state road and one that connects Fontanigorda from Loco di Rovegno, interrupting road communications between Otton and Torriglia, and the telegraph line between Bobbio and Genoa; damage and flooding also occurred in the Piacenza area in Rivergaro and Sant'Antonio a Trebbia.

Conclusions

Fontanigórda is one of the hidden gems of Liguria that deserves to be discovered. Those seeking some peace and unspoiled nature will surely be struck by the beauty of this town, located in one of the most fascinating areas of the region. Here you can take a dip in history and enjoy breathtaking scenery. The traditional charm of this resort makes it an ideal destination for those who want to experience an authentic experience away from the chaos of the city.

Fabio Marino
Wrote by Fabio Marino
Updated Friday, Apr 29, 2022