Bobbio and the meanderings of S. Salvatore
The route is suitable for bikers with good physical preparation and technique, because it has climbs and descents rather sloped bottom and often rocky andbumpy.
It starts from Bobbio (270 m), symbol of Val Trebbia, famous for the Bridge Gobbo (or "the devil"), 280 meters long with 11 arches and unequal among themselves, and the abbey of St. Columbus, who in medieval times with its schools, its library, its Scriptorium, its economic organization, quickly became a political power and religious hub.
Going uphill on a paved road into gravel you reach Fontana. From here proceed through a path surrounded by pine trees and climb up the slopes of Mount St.Augustine (1242 m). The challenging climb even allows you to enjoy the magnificent views of the Trebbia. Running on a paved road for about 2-3 km up toPasso S. Barbara (1,150) you gain the dirt road on the ridge to the foot of Mt Aserei and descend to the town of Roveri.
The itinerary continues with a challenging ups and downs until Coli. From here take the path that descends into the woods to the meanderings of S. Salvatore. The descent has steep slopes and technical passages, it is therefore challenging, but the twists and turns that describes Trebbia between the sandstones arestriking and unique: deeply embedded in large loops between steep slopes, with the clear waters of the river in a deep hollow and narrow valley carved in themassive rock formations.
When the season allows it, a refreshing bath is a must! After the break go back to Bobbio.
What to see
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Bobbio
The most important touristic destination of the whole valley, it is famous for the flow of tourists attracted by the river. The symbol of the town is the Old Bridge, also called Hunchback Bridge, of Roman origins and an unmistakable irregular profile that stands on eleven arches, a result of the fury of the river waters or, as the tradition tells, due to the devil who built it in one night.
The historical centre unwinds through steep and narrow paved streets that follow the typical scheme of medieval cities, going past old houses and noble villas. The history of this town, which was strategically built as checkpoint on the Salt Road that linked Piacenza and Rome via the Trebbia Valley, is closely related to that of St. Columba. Founded in 614 AD by the Irish monk, the Bobbio monastery hosts the Museum of the Abbey, which among its priceless findings still preserves an ivory casket from the 6th century. Last but not least, the Malaspina Castle built at the beginning of the 14th century is worth a visit