Discover Sala: Historic Trails and Local Culture

The approximately 5 km-long Sentiero dei Brignati connects Brallo with Fego. Another route leads from the Sala hamlet towards Vendemiassi and Casanova di Destra; after crossing the bridge over the Staffora, it continues to Casanova di Sinistra.

Trails, Granite and Chestnut Trees

The Sentiero dei Brignati crosses the Montagnola several times and reaches the Grotta dei Briganti after about 30 minutes. The cave consists of large granite boulders. On a mule track, the same trail also leads to the Bosco dei Giganti, a forest with centuries-old chestnut trees.

The Via del Sale is designed as a circular route and turns around at Monte Chiappo, at an altitude of 1,699 m. Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna meet there. The route follows a ridge forming the border between Piedmont's Valle Curone and Lombardy's Valle Staffora.

The historic trails covered by the Ecomuseo dell’Appennino Lombardo include the Via del Sale and the Sentiero del Brigante. At the same Ecomuseo, you can taste Salame di Varzi as a typical local product.

History, Crafts and Local Traditions

The Roman kiln complex of Massinigo dates back to the 3rd century BC and was discovered in 1957. It is considered one of the best-preserved complexes in Lombardy and the only one of its kind found so far in the Oltrepò Pavese. To arrange a visit, contact the municipal office of Santa Margherita di Staffora by telephone on 0383 551100.

In the historic centre of Massinigo, the Giardino delle Rose contains numerous varieties of roses. It also features two statues dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette Soubirous. The garden thus provides a quieter accent alongside the trails and historic sites.

Sala is clearly of Lombard origin. The term “sala” referred to the lordly hall in noble residences.

The Museo del Salumiere documents salami production through historical documents and photographs. These include a reconstruction of a 1930s salami shop, a curing cellar and the tools used for this purpose.

Festivals and Winter Sports

The Carnevale Bianco di Cegni is a traditional folkloric event held in August. The central feature is the wedding between the “brutto” and the “povera donna”. The festival includes traditional music played with pipe instruments and accordions, typical dances, a dinner and a large evening dance.

Winter activities also have a specific point of reference: Pian del Poggio is a ski resort in the municipality of Santa Margherita di Staffora; three slopes there have been considered active since 2015.

Trails and Addresses

From the turn-off to Sala, a route leads approximately 2 km downhill along a narrow paved road. The gradients reach up to 11 per cent.

Campeggio Pian del Lago is associated with the address Loc. Pian del Lago 44 in Santa Margherita di Staffora (PV). At the “Alta Valle Staffora” Villaggio-Campeggio in the Sala hamlet of Santa Margherita di Staffora, the operating company decided to cease operations for personal reasons. Access to Antica Trattoria del Ginepro is via a public road.

More Places to Discover

Casei Gerola, Calvignano, Salice Terme, Certosa Di Pavia, Garlasco, San Zenone Al Po, Varzi and San Giorgio di Lomellina

For the higher-level travel overview: Pavia.