A panoramic trek along the ancient Via del Sale to discover Monte Chiappo (1669 m), a grassy mountain with a vague pyramid shape. The mountain is part of the Antola group, of which it is the third peak after those of Mount Lesima and Mount Ebro.
It marks the border between Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia. Liguria, as the crow flies, is only eight kilometres away. Reaching the summit means opening up a view from the valleys below to the Ligurian Apennines and even a stretch of the Ligurian Sea on a clear day.
Chairlift, and more
On the border between the provinces of Piacenza and Pavia is the chairlift that connects the peak of the mountain to Pian del Poggio, where there are also ski slopes. In addition to skiing, the facility is also a bike park with three downhill tracks
Climb to the summit from Pian del Poggio
The itinerary begins at Pian del Poggio, in the municipality of Santa Margherita Staffora, the highest town in the province of Pavia at 1335 metres. An easy path allows you to reach the summit of Monte Chiappo in forty minutes, recognisable by the statue of St Joseph. At the summit, there is also a refuge where one can find refreshments and the arrival station of the chairlift that goes up from the ski resort of Pian del Poggio. Another hour's walk takes you to the summit of Mount Ebro. The climb is of medium difficulty and requires a minimum of physical preparation, but it is within the reach of all those who are used to walking in the mountains.
Monte Chiappo Refuge
At the top of Monte Chiappo, in a picturesque natural setting, is a privately run refuge with a bar and a small restaurant. Open every day in August and at weekends from mid-September to coincide with the start of the ski season.
From nature to archaeology, the Roman oven
The Roman oven of Massinigo, in the municipality of Santa Margherita Staffora, dates back to the 3rd century BC and was discovered in 1957 during the construction of the primary school. It is circular and made of stone and brick. It represents the remains of the kiln floor, with the inlet into which the wood to be burnt was fed and the fire that was used for baking and the production of bricks. The kiln is one of the best preserved in Lombardy and the only one in the area.
The permanent nativity scene in Santa Margherita Staffora
Thanks to the renovation of an old stable, a permanent nativity scene has been created in the historic centre of Massinigo, a hamlet of Santa Margherita Staffora. with marble powder statues. Inside the stable is an ancient stone arch dating back to the 18th century. The visit can be accessed directly from the road leading to the historic centre of Massinigo. The crib can be visited at any time.
The legend of the castle of Santa Margherita Staffora
On the way up to the church of Santa Margherita Staffora, from where you can admire a suggestive landscape of the Staffora valley, you can see the stone remains of a former Malaspina castle. It is said that one of the owners of the Malaspina castle "liked" to get rid of his wives by throwing them into the well.
Encounter with taste, the Bondiola
Bondiola, a local delicacy, is a typical salami produced in the area of Santa Margherita Staffora. It is a cured pork neck made from the upper part of the pig's shoulder, which is salted, seasoned and then cured for a variable period, usually from three to six months or more, depending on the producer and the desired flavour. Before being cured, the coppa is soaked in wine for ten days.
