Pecorara
Welcome to Pecorara!
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Pecorara, a charming hamlet in the province of Piacenza, located in the Ligurian Apennines. Until December 31, 2017, Pecorara was an autonomous municipality, but then merged with the neighboring municipalities of Caminata and Nibbiano, giving birth to the new municipality of Alta Val Tidone. Currently, Pecorara has 688 inhabitants.
The physical geography of Pecorara
Pecorara is located in the Tidoncello valley, formed by the right orographic tributary of the Tidone stream. The inhabited center is located on the right bank of the stream, near the confluence of the two branches that originate it, the Tidoncello Merlingo and the Tidoncello di Sevizzano. This mountainous area is located at the southwestern end of the province of Piacenza and borders the municipalities of Romagnese and Zavattarello, which are part of the Oltrepò Pavese. The highest point in Pecorara is Mount Aldone, which stands at 897 meters above sea level.
The history of Pecorara
Pecorara has very ancient origins, dating back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological findings. During the Carolingian period, the Imperial fiefs within the Obertenghi were established with the aim of maintaining a safe passage to the sea. In 1164 Frederick Barbarossa assigned Pecorara, together with many of the neighboring territories, to the noble Obertenga family of Malaspina, which built several castles in the area to guard the communication route that climbed the Tidoncello valley to reach Bobbio through the Crocetta pass. In the 13th century, the Malaspina family sold their possessions to the Da Pecorara family, who were originally from the area. The most influential member of the family was Cardinal Jacopo da Pecorara, who was Suburbicarian Bishop of Palestrina, abbot of the Tre Fontane Abbey in Rome, papal legate on behalf of Pope Gregory IX and mentor to future Pope Gregory X. Later, the area became part of the Visconti family's domains, until Gian Galeazzo Visconti granted it to Jacopo Dal Verme in 1379, who had served him as an advisor and captain, along with other territories previously subject to Bobbio's dominion.
Pecorara today
If you are looking for a destination for a day trip to a peaceful and natural place, Pecorara is the right place. Here you can admire the suggestive mountain landscape and take walks on foot or by bike along the Tidone river. The historic center of Pecorara is rich in ancient buildings, including the castle of the capital, located next to the church in what would later become the locality of Pecorara Vecchia. Among other notable monuments, there are the church of Santo Stefano and the church of San Giovanni Battista. Furthermore, Pecorara is famous for its production of cheeses and cold cuts, which you can taste in local restaurants.
Conclusions
Here is everything you need to know about Pecorara, a charming hamlet located in the Ligurian Apennines. Its history rich in events and illustrious characters, its unique landscape position and the products of the territory will surely make your visit to Pecorara an unforgettable experience. We are waiting for you!
