Top 4 Castles around Brallo Di Pregola

The so-called "Witches' Tower" in Varzi is actually the Malaspina Tower, a medieval 13th-century tower that overlooks the historic center of Varzi, in Oltrepò Pavese.

Glimpse of the Staffora

The castle stands on the left bank of the Curone torrent and opposite the town, on a hill with steep and rugged sides, in a position suitable for controlling the valley below. Currently, the lower part of the massive quadrangular tower remains of the ancient and well-fortified manor. A staircase allows you to reach the access door to the tower, which is located about ten meters above ground level. Once past the door, another staircase allows you to climb to the top of the tower, from which you can see a beautiful view of the Curone Valley. The visit to the tower is suggestive, so it certainly deserves a stop.

An interesting route in the upper Curone Valley is the one that leads to the walled remains of the Brusamonica Castle, a small town about two kilometers from Caldirola. The castle, built on the crest of the mountains above Caldirola, dates back to the feudal era; although it has lost its ancient splendor over time, it still retains a certain charm, if only for its uncertain and mysterious origin. A legend tells that before the castle there was a convent in the same place, probably founded by the monastery of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro of Pavia and destroyed during a night of battle and looting (perhaps by Saracen troops) in the 9th century. This, like any good legend, is not confirmed by historical documents, even if even today the inhabitants of Caldirola, referring to the town of Brusamonica, are accustomed to using the term "convent". Contradictions aside, this castle, with a slope that extended up to Val Borbera and now collapsed, represents an important and concrete historical monument that can today become a destination for pleasant walks.

With the eMTB, it is difficult to reach the site of the remains of the Castle. The path is narrow, steep and in some places there are rocks that block pedaling. Better to go up from Mount Gropà with the eMTB.

Very quiet mountain village. The road to get to the top is very well maintained.

Very pretty village with a wonderful view.

The Malaspina dal Verme di Bobbio castle is a quadrangular construction located in the town, it is located in an elevated position above the park of the same name and is part of the Association of Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli. Since January 2020, the municipality of Bobbio has taken over the management of the castle.