A panoramic road with beautiful views of the Staffora valley leads to an ideal destination for a summer trip: Brallo di Pegola. Here the sea breeze combines with the mountain climate to create a pleasant, breezy climate that invites you to discover the village and its wonders. One of these is located in the hamlet of Someglio, at an altitude of 768 m.
The ancient parish church
The parish church of Colleri, in the municipality of Brallo di Pregola, has medieval origins and is considered one of the oldest parish churches in the area.
The stone altar, the floor made of local stones, the painting representing Saints Gervasio and Protasio, to whom the church is dedicated, and the beautiful Romanesque bell tower make this place a little jewel. Inside the church there is also a painting dedicated to San Fermo, the patron saint of Someglio, celebrated on 9 August.
The bell tower has four wide upper arches for use as a belfry, a peculiarity that suggests that it was probably the original Malaspina watchtower. In fact, the building was located at a strategic point on the road that ran from Genoa to Milan, and was used by the salt and spice merchants. The "Bell Tower" was therefore the control point of one of the most important trade routes.
Twin saints
The saints Gervasius and Protasius were twin brothers who lived during the Roman period. Gervasius and Protasius were originally from Milan, but their story is also intertwined with the town of Brallo di Pregola. It is said that the two brothers were arrested and sentenced to death for their Christian faith during the persecutions of Emperor Nero. They were tortured and beheaded in Milan around 165 AD.
Their devotion spread rapidly and a cult developed around them. Over time, they were associated with numerous miracles and healings, and their veneration became particularly deep-rooted in Lombardy.
A walk in Brallo di Pregola
The village of Brallo di Pregola has a picturesque historical centre with narrow streets and traditional stone houses. It is a quiet and picturesque place, ideal for those who want to escape from the city and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Pavia Apennines. The municipality is characterised by a mountainous landscape and is rich in natural beauty. The area is ideal for nature lovers and offers opportunities for hiking, trekking and outdoor activities. You can enjoy panoramic views, lush forests and waterways.
The Brallo potato
The climate and soil conditions of this mountainous area are ideal for growing potatoes that have gained a reputation for excellence. The Brallo potato is characterised by its thin skin, firm flesh and distinctive flavour. The production of this product has a long tradition, which is also promoted through a festival that offers visitors the opportunity to taste traditional potato dishes and discover the culinary culture of the area. On the day of the festival, the producers of the Brallo potato will be present with their stands proballo.net.
The bread trees
One of the natural treasures of Brallo di Pregola are the centuries-old chestnut trees planted in the Apennines in the Middle Ages. An important source of income, they were also called "bread trees".
In the 18th century, the spread of maize and potato cultivation led to a reduction in the number of chestnut trees, but unique and extraordinary specimens can still be admired. In the hamlet of Ponti and along the Sentiero dei Briganti there are trees with a girth of between 500 and 800 cm and an estimated age of 500 to 800 years.
