Bolano

Introduction

Description

It was in 1273 that the bishop of Luni ordered the fortification of the village (the ending of its toponym in "-ano", as well as that in "-ana ", reveals a Roman origin) with the construction of the triangular-shaped walls with three access gates, and the subdivision into Borgo Vecchio, Borgo Diritto and Borgo Poggio: in the latter, the remains of the castle of the noble Obertenga Malaspina family, who reigned here until 1520, when Bolano passed under Genoa, can still be seen. In 1147, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta was built. with three naves, the frescoes inside which are by David Beghé, a fresco painter born in 1854 in the municipality of Calice al Cornoviglio. Since 1638, the Oratory of Santissimi Antonio e Rocco has been the residence of the Minori Osservanti: inside, a painting by Taverone, ancient crosses and processional lanterns from the 18th century. This part of the lower Val di Vara is notoriously a fervent industrial area, but it jealously preserves its ancient historical testimonies. This also applies to Ceparana, on whose main street - which coincides with an ancient route of the Via Francigena - Palazzo Giustiniani is visible. It was originally the ancient Abbey of San Venanzio (whose feast day is still celebrated on 13 October): this monastery, near which there was also a castle, in addition to guarding grain supplies on behalf of the Bishop of Luni, was an important trading centre as early as 963. The only remaining evidence of the monastery is the bell tower (10th century), which was later incorporated into the noble palace that the Giustiniani family built in the early 1700s, later adding the adjoining chapel of Santissima Annunziata. For trekking enthusiasts, what better occasion to start the route of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, the 440 km of path connecting Bolano to Ventimiglia. Part of this route coincides with the ancient 'via regia' that from Ceparana, passing through Monte Gottero, led to Parma. The view from here over the valley is spectacular. A minute's break, and then back on the march.

Information

Area:  14.57 sq km
Altitude: 317m
Maximum elevation:
Number of inhabitants: 7838
Name in dialect: Bolàn
Inhabitant name: Bolanesi
 Patron Saint: St. Peter (7 April)
 Internet site: www.comune.bolano.sp.it
Webcam:
Bordering municipalities: Aulla, Follo, Podenzana, Santo Stefano di Magra, Tresana, Vezzano Ligure
 Villages and hamlets: Ceparana, Montebello