Garbagna, the heart of the Val Grue with a Ligurian imprint

Garbagna, the main center of the Val Grue, owes its name to the Latin garbus (“bush”) and appears for the first time in 945 in a diploma of King Hugh of Provence, who granted it to Count Elisiardo.

In the 10th century it suffered Saracen raids, overcome under King Berengar, and then came under the influence of Tortona, whose bishop built the castle to control the valley. In the following centuries the village passed through various hands: from Anichino of Baumgarten to the Fieschi, powerful Genoese nobles, and to the Visconti of Milan.

With Gian Luigi Fieschi “the Elder” (1441–1508), Garbagna was consolidated under the Ligurian family, which in 1495 obtained imperial confirmation of its fiefs. The failed Fieschi conspiracy against Andrea Doria (1547), however, marked the loss of their possessions, confiscated by Charles V and granted to the Doria.

In 1797 it entered the Napoleonic Republic of Genoa, then in 1815 passed to the Kingdom of Sardinia and finally to the province of Alessandria.

Must‑see attractions in Garbagna

The beating heart of Garbagna is Piazza Doria, a Renaissance square dedicated to the namesake prince, lord of Genoa and Garbagna. Dominating the square are the Doria Palace and the Oratory of San Rocco, with its façade frescoed by Giovan Battista Carlone. At the center stand four horse chestnut trees and the arch recalling the ancient water source, while in June the square comes alive with the famous Sagra della Ciliegia Bella di Garbagna, a Slow Food presidium.

Walking through the Contrada, one finds shops and atmospheres of bygone times. Of great importance is the Church of San Giovanni Battista Decollato (1714), with its octagonal plan, works by Moncalvo, and a fine seventeenth‑century organ that plays a leading role during the patronal feast. On the heights stands the evocative medieval castle, an ideal panoramic point. A short distance away, among the woods, lies the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lago, a place of faith and legends, destination of heartfelt Marian processions.

Events and traditions in Garbagna

Garbagna hosts many events that celebrate the village’s traditions, culinary and otherwise.

Among the most eagerly awaited is the Sagra della Ciliegia di Garbagna in June, where local products can be enjoyed and the agricultural soul of the town is revived. As already mentioned, Piazza Doria lights up to celebrate a variety of cherries, the Bella di Garbagna, widely used in liqueurs and jams.

On August 27, the Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist enlivens the streets with processions, music, and food stands.

Throughout the year, the village hosts craft markets, concerts, and historical re‑enactments that enhance its local heritage.

What to see near Garbagna

The location of Garbagna offers numerous natural views not to be missed. Among the Colli Tortonesi stands Monte San Vito, with a summit that offers a beautiful panorama from its rocky cliffs.

Also not to be missed is Monte Giarolo: at its top stands the fascinating statue of Christ the Redeemer. It differs from other similar statues: in this representation, Christ raises one arm in blessing while with the other he embraces the cross.

Just a few kilometers from Garbagna you can also visit another of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy: Volpedo.

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