Santa Margherita di Staffora
Welcome to Santa Margherita di Staffora
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Santa Margherita di Staffora, a small town in the mountainous area of Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy. With its 449 inhabitants, Santa Margherita di Staffora is a quiet and relaxing place, perfect for those who are looking for some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
History
But Santa Margherita di Staffora is not just a peaceful place, it also has a fascinating history that dates back to prehistoric times. Roman settlements have been found in the forested area behind the village, while the first written records date back to the early Middle Ages when the territory was under the possession of the Abbey of San Colombano di Bobbio. After the fall of the Lombards, the Holy Roman Empire created the Imperial Fiefs and Santa Margherita was assigned to the Malaspina family, included in the vast Marquisate of the Malaspina.
The area of Santa Margherita was divided among various branches of the family, but the one that interests us in particular is that of the Malaspina of Varzi, who generated the branch of Santa Margherita that held the fief until the extinction of feudalism in 1797. This fief coincided with the municipality of Santa Margherita di Bobbio, which was later merged into the Province of Bobbio.
The Fortress and the Church
Today, visiting Santa Margherita, you cannot fail to notice the fortress and the church that dominate the landscape. The church is located on top of the fortress and is visible from most of the valley. The interior of the church is simple and austere, but there is an atmosphere of peace and spirituality that has made it a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
The fortress, on the other hand, is a collection of walls and towers that offers a breathtaking panorama of the valley. From the top of the fortress, you can admire Santa Margherita and the surrounding villages, and imagine the life of the feudal lords who lived in those places.
But not just the fortress and the church: Santa Margherita also has a visitable furnace in the locality of Massinigo, where you can see how charcoal was made in past centuries.
Places to Visit
If you decide to visit Santa Margherita di Staffora, you cannot miss a walk in the surrounding nature. The mountainous area of Oltrepò Pavese offers enchanting landscapes, perfect for hiking and walking. You can also visit the surrounding villages, such as Cegni, Negruzzo, and Sala, which are part of the history of Santa Margherita.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Santa Margherita di Staffora is a perfect place for those who are looking for peace and tranquility, but also for those who want to discover the history and culture of the area. The fortress and the church are two treasures that tell the ancient history of these places, while the surrounding nature offers breathtaking landscapes. If you are in the area, you cannot miss the beauty of Santa Margherita di Staffora.
