Stage 4 · Piacenza → San Colombano
- Distance
- 47 km
- Elevation gain
- 390 m D+
- Difficulty
- Easy-Medium
- Surface
- 94% asphalt, 6% gravel · 46% on cycle routes
- Terrain
- Trebbia Valley
- Cycle path
- Trebbia Cycle Path
- Hospitality
- Hostel
GPX 1.1 file with the track, elevation and the abbeys as waypoints. Tracks are calculated on real roads and cycle routes (OpenStreetMap): check them on the ground before you set off.
Stage map
Map of the stage Piacenza → San Colombano: track, start, finish, places to stay and abbeys
Hover the profile to see the spot on the map
Tracks calculated on real roads and cycle paths (OpenStreetMap); elevations from SRTM data — to be checked on the ground
This stage on Komoot
The same track is on the project's Komoot profile: save it in the app and ride it with voice navigation.
Overview
The pilgrimage enters its mountain phase with the climb up the Val Trebbia, which Hemingway called the most beautiful valley in the world. The route follows the river's emerald meanders from Piacenza up to Bobbio and the Abbey of San Colombano.
Notes from the road
The Trebbia flows emerald green between pebble beaches. This is the valley Hemingway loved, and you see at once why it is true. The main road carries weekend traffic though, better to stay on the side lanes where the route allows. Bobbio arrives with the Ponte Gobbo crossing the river on uneven arches, a good place to stop. The Abbey of San Colombano closes the day with real silence, after the trip's first true climb.
What to see
Meanders and beaches of the Trebbia, Rivergaro, clifftop villages of the valley, Bobbio with the Ponte Gobbo, Abbey of San Colombano with its museum and scriptorium
Where to sleep
Bobbio: San Colombano guesthouse (donation-based, at the abbey, book ahead), hostel (40-50€), small hotels (65-90€)
Where to eat
Needle-made maccheroni alla bobbiese, Piacenza cured meats, porcini mushrooms, Trebbia trout, Bobbio almond cake
Tips
First real climb of the route (390m total gain, in steps). The SS45 carries moderate traffic: prefer the secondary banks where possible. A morning start is recommended.
Water & supplies
Fountains in Rivergaro and Travo, bars along the SS45 of the Val Trebbia. The final stretch at altitude is lonelier, about 10 km without services. Good coverage as far as Bobbio, which has food shops and a pharmacy.
Places to stay on this stage
- Ostello delle Grazie (Monastero di San Colombano)hostel
Bobbio (piazza Santa Fara)- Price:
- donation-based (monastic tradition)
- Open:
- year-round, booking required
- Facilities:
- dorms with shared bathrooms, kitchen, common rooms, rooms with 18th-century frescoes; also the Casa del Pellegrino (max 4 beds) by the cathedral
- Source:
- bobbio.civitascolumbani.it/ostello
Sleep next to the Abbey of San Colombano, the heart of the stage: donation-based hospitality inside the monastery itself.
- Camping Ponte Gobbocampsite
Bobbio (via San Martino 4)- Price:
- campsite rates, call ahead (0523 936927)
- Open:
- June–September (tent pitches)
- Facilities:
- tent pitches on the Trebbia next to the Ponte Gobbo, bar, sports grounds, river beach a short walk away
- Source:
- campingpontegobbo.com · visitpiacenza.it
Bobbio's historic campsite, on the banks of the Trebbia overlooking the Ponte Gobbo and the village.
Abbeys on this stage
- Finish abbey: Abbazia di San Colombano
An amateur, non-profit project. The tracks are indicative: everyone rides independently, at their own risk.