Discover Sala

Sala and its history

Sala is clearly of Lombard origin. The term “sala” also has historical significance: it referred to the grand hall in noble residences. This interpretation provides a concrete point of reference for the town’s history before you explore the trails and cultural attractions in the surrounding area.

Trails and routes

The Sentiero dei Brignati is a hiking trail about five kilometres long that connects Brallo with Fego. Along the way, it crosses the Montagnola several times. After about 30 minutes, you reach the Grotta dei Briganti, a formation of large granite boulders. The trail also follows a mule track to the Bosco dei Giganti, where centuries-old chestnut trees grow. The time to the Grotta and the approximate total length describe different aspects of the hike.

A route from the hamlet of Sala heads towards Vendemiassi and Casanova di Destra; after crossing the bridge over the Staffora, it continues to Casanova di Sinistra. As the exact route should be checked locally, compare it with your planned route before setting off. Another route description starts at the junction from Sala: from there, the route descends for about two kilometres along a narrow paved road with gradients of up to eleven per cent.

In the wider area of Santa Margherita di Staffora, the Via del Sale is laid out as a circular route. Its turning point is on Monte Chiappo, at 1,699 metres, where Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna meet. The route follows a ridge along the border that separates Piedmont’s Valle Curone from Lombardy’s Valle Staffora. This makes it different in layout from the approximately five-kilometre Sentiero dei Brignati, which connects two named places. The Ecomuseo dell’Appennino Lombardo also lists the Via del Sale and the Sentiero del Brigante as historic trails. Trail conditions can vary; check the specific route before setting off.

Cultural attractions and events

The Roman kiln complex at Massinigo dates from the third century BC and was discovered in 1957. It is considered one of the best-preserved complexes in Lombardy and, so far, the only one of its kind in the Oltrepò Pavese. To arrange a visit, contact the municipal office of Santa Margherita di Staffora by phone at 0383 551100. Check the contact details again before your trip.

The Giardino delle Rose is located in the historic centre of Massinigo. There you will find numerous varieties of roses and two statues dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette Soubirous. The garden thus combines its variety of plants with a clearly defined religious dedication.

The Carnevale Bianco di Cegni is a traditional folkloric event held in August. It is dedicated to the wedding of the “brutto” and the “povera donna.” The programme includes traditional music played on pipe instruments and accordions, typical dances, a dinner, and a large evening dance. If you plan to attend, check the dates for the relevant year before your trip.

At the Ecomuseo dell’Appennino Lombardo, you can sample Salame di Varzi, a typical local product. If you plan to do so, enquire about visiting options in advance.

Find a hotel for your stay in Sala

For hiking, you can compare the approximately five-kilometre route of the Sentiero dei Brignati with the circular route profile of the Via del Sale. This can help you tailor your stay to your personal interests.

Discover more destinations: Tromello, Borgarello, Donelasco, Carbonara al Ticino, Badia Pavese, Calvignano, Breme, Bressana

Return to the main travel overview: Pavia.