Bobbio, Medieval commune in Trebbia Valley, Province of Piacenza, Italy.
Bobbio is a commune in the Trebbia Valley in Piacenza Province, located about forty kilometers southwest of the provincial capital. The winding humpback bridge connects both riverbanks and leads into the old center with multi-story houses and small squares.
The abbey of Saint Columbanus arose in the early seventh century and grew into a center of intellectual work with an extensive manuscript collection. Later the place came under secular rule and passed through phases of changing overlords until incorporation into the Italian nation.
The name Bobbio comes from a Celtic word referring to settlement, reflecting the region's deep roots. You see these origins today in the tight lanes and compact stone buildings that shape the center and invite slow walks.
You can best reach the commune by car along winding mountain roads, public transport is limited. Sturdy footwear helps when exploring the steep lanes and stairways in the center.
The humpback bridge profile came not from planning but from repeated repairs after floods over centuries. Each arch stands slightly different, giving the structure its characteristic wavy course.
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