Attractions and Places To See around Santa Margherita Di Staffora - Top 20

Each of these crosses, which travelers often encounter in the fields or, as here, on mountain peaks, is a reminder of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Here on earth, His memory exists, but in the Kingdom of Heaven is His presence: this presence is the joy of those who have already attained salvation. Remembrance is our comfort, we who are still wanderers, traveling toward our homeland.” (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, c. 1090–1153)

Hunchback Bridge or Devil's Bridge In the Middle Ages, the construction of a bridge was considered a miraculous feat. For this reason, the construction of such structures gave rise to many legends, often involving the devil: joining two places that God had wanted separated was seen by many as a "diabolical" work. According to an ancient legend, Saint Columbanus, a 7th-century Irish monk, was eager to bring the word of God to the people living on the other bank of the Trebbia River, near the town of Bobbio. The devil promised to build the bridge in a single night, in exchange for the first mortal soul to cross it. The saint accepted. That night, the devil summoned several little devils who assisted him in the construction work, holding up the bridge's arches. The demons were of different heights, and thus the various arches of the bridge were of varying sizes. In the morning, the devil stationed himself at the end of the bridge to demand his payment. But Saint Columbanus outwitted him by having his poor, suffering and very sick dog (some say it was a bear) cross the bridge instead of a man. The enraged devil returned to hell, but not before kicking his handiwork, which has been crooked ever since. It is said that the footprints of the unfortunate animal that served as a guinea pig still remain in the crypt of the Church of Saint Columbanus. The Hunchback Bridge, also known as the Ponte Vecchio or, more precisely, the Devil's Bridge, is a Roman structure that has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries. The structure above dates back to the 7th century, but traces of an older bridge, dating back to before Columbanus' arrival, have been found underneath. The bridge, characterized by its undulating shape, irregular arches, and relatively narrow carriageway, is 280 meters long and connects the two banks of the river through a complicated succession of 11 irregular spans, varying in span and height, creating an undulating path from one end to the other. The Bobbio Bridge, now used only as a pedestrian crossing, is the very symbol of the city of San Colombano, as well as one of the strangest and most original architectural structures in Italy. Source: Emilia-Romagna Region

Up here, on Monte Giarolo, the hiker won't find the classic summit cross that crowns many mountains. Instead, on a pedestal divided into two sections, stands the figure of the Risen Christ, adorned with a cross. Christ raises one arm in greeting—or rather, in blessing—and with the other, he embraces the cross, that gruesome symbol of suffering and death, which, through his resurrection, he transformed into a glorious symbol of victory over death.

At 1,473 meters above sea level, the peak of Mount Giarolo is on the so-called Ligurian Apennines but in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont. It is the northernmost point of the Antola chain and divides the Borbera and Curone valleys. On the summit there is a statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Mount Ebro (1700 m above sea level) is the most beautiful and panoramic mountain of the entire Ántola chain, and one of the most beautiful and panoramic of the entire Ligurian Apennines. It is a gigantic pyramid, mostly grassy, that rises on the watershed between Borbera and Curone, a short distance from the important node of Mount Chiappo. The slopes of the mountain are generally wide and slightly sloping, covered by thick woods at lower altitudes, and meadows above 1400-1500 meters. The imposing southern slope is an exception, which towers, very high and steep, over the village of Aie di Cósola.

The Feast of the Redeemer has been celebrated on Mount Giarolo since the beginning of the last century, when the first statue of the Redeemer was erected on August 11, 1901 (replaced with the new one exactly one hundred years later) in order to celebrate the 19th centenary of the birth of Christ. It was inaugurated by the Bishop of Tortona who, for the occasion, promoted a diocesan pilgrimage in which approximately 12,000 faithful participated. Since then, every year on the first Sunday of August tourists and faithful go to the top of the mountain to renew the tradition.

Very panoramic view of the Curone valley and the plain. Access is easy even if the last stretch is quite steep

Beautiful peak, the last stretch of path to get there from the Chiappo side is quite steep but you can get around it by following a hidden path on the right. From the top you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Curone valley and the entire Alpine range if the weather permits