Garbagna
|
Latest page update: 26 May 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Garbagna
Garbagna has only a very small number of places to stay, as the village is centred on its medieval core and quiet rural setting rather than a developed hotel scene. Travellers who prefer established hotels with fuller facilities and stronger guest feedback will find a wider and more reliable selection in Tortona, which offers the nearest practical hotel base within easy reach of Garbagna.
In Tortona, Hotel Oasi provides comfortable rooms, welcoming hospitality and steady guest satisfaction for both convenience and value (€€). Hotel Il Carrettino, just outside the town, offers a more modern stay with spacious rooms, on-site facilities and positive reviews for comfort and ease of access when travelling by car (€€€). For a central alternative, Albergo Cavour delivers clean rooms, friendly service and a straightforward base close to Tortona’s historic streets and transport links (€€).
In Tortona, Hotel Oasi provides comfortable rooms, welcoming hospitality and steady guest satisfaction for both convenience and value (€€). Hotel Il Carrettino, just outside the town, offers a more modern stay with spacious rooms, on-site facilities and positive reviews for comfort and ease of access when travelling by car (€€€). For a central alternative, Albergo Cavour delivers clean rooms, friendly service and a straightforward base close to Tortona’s historic streets and transport links (€€).
Where is
Where is Garbagna?
|
The village of Garbagna is situated within the Province of Alessandria and has a population of around 700 residents.
It stands at an elevation of 293 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Volpedo, Tortona, Gavi, Alessandria and Acqui Terme. |
|
Comune di Garbagna
|
Province: Alessandria
Region: Piedmont Population: 617 (in 2024 - source) Size: 21 km² Elevation: 293 metres Close by: Volpedo, Tortona, Gavi, Alessandria, Acqui Terme Recommended accommodation: Agriturismo Cà Bella (10 km) |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: L'arte tra le Colline di Ciliegi (Art Among the Hills of Cherry Trees)
Listing headline: L'arte tra le Colline di Ciliegi (Art Among the Hills of Cherry Trees)
What People Ask About Garbagna
Is Garbagna worth visiting?
What can you do in Garbagna?
How do you get to Garbagna?
What is Garbagna known for?
When is the best time to visit Garbagna?
Related links
Discover
Discover Garbagna
Garbagna is a village in the province of Alessandria, lying in the Val Borbera at the edge of the Liguri Apennines. It preserves the appearance of a medieval borgo, with narrow lanes, stone houses, and arcaded streets that open onto its main square. The surrounding hills are covered with woodland and orchards, giving the village a close link to its agricultural traditions.
The heart of Garbagna is Piazza Doria, lined with arcades and overlooked by the parish Church of San Giovanni Battista. Above the settlement stand the remains of the Castello dei Fieschi, recalling its feudal past. The area is also renowned for the Bella di Garbagna cherry, recognised as a local speciality. Road connections link Garbagna with Tortona, Novi Ligure, and other towns of the Apennine valleys.
The heart of Garbagna is Piazza Doria, lined with arcades and overlooked by the parish Church of San Giovanni Battista. Above the settlement stand the remains of the Castello dei Fieschi, recalling its feudal past. The area is also renowned for the Bella di Garbagna cherry, recognised as a local speciality. Road connections link Garbagna with Tortona, Novi Ligure, and other towns of the Apennine valleys.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Garbagna
- Piazza Doria is the main square of the village, surrounded by arcaded buildings, cafés, and stone houses with painted shutters. It serves as the centre of local life and is used for markets, outdoor dining, and festivals. The square connects easily to the surrounding lanes of the historic centre and nearby walking trails.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista stands just off the main square and dates back to the 17th century, with a simple Baroque façade and tall bell tower. The interior includes frescoes, stucco decorations, and a carved wooden altar. The church remains active and is central to Garbagna’s religious events and community gatherings.
- Oratory of San Rocco is a small religious building located near the entrance to the village. Built in the 16th century, it has a plain stone façade and houses votive offerings and historical paintings. It is occasionally open for local celebrations and is part of the village’s network of religious sites.
- Castello Doria overlooks the village from a wooded hilltop and can be reached on foot via a short uphill path. Originally built in the medieval period, only parts of the walls and tower base remain today. The site offers views over the Borbera Valley and is a popular stop for walkers and photographers.
- Local Cherry Orchards and Trails surround Garbagna and are especially notable during the spring bloom and summer harvest. The area is known for its ciliegia di Garbagna, a protected variety of cherry grown on terraced hillsides. Walking paths pass through the orchards and connect with longer countryside routes.
Tours and Activities
Garbagna Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Garbagna Photo Gallery
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Garbagna
By Rail: Garbagna does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Tortona, about 25 kilometres away, on the Milan–Genoa line operated by Trenitalia. From Milan, trains to Tortona take around 50 minutes, and from Genoa about 1 hour. From Tortona, Garbagna can be reached in approximately 35 minutes by car or taxi.
By Road: Garbagna is located in the Apennine hills of the Alessandria province, near the border with Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. From Alessandria, the distance is about 50 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour. From Genoa, the journey is approximately 70 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Parking is available near the historic centre and in small car parks around the village.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Garbagna is located in the Apennine hills of the Alessandria province, near the border with Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. From Alessandria, the distance is about 50 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour. From Genoa, the journey is approximately 70 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Parking is available near the historic centre and in small car parks around the village.
Nearest International Airports:
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: About 75 kilometres from Garbagna, with a drive of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The closest airport, offering domestic and European flights.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 110 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. A convenient option for frequent European services.
- Milan Malpensa Airport: Roughly 130 kilometres from Garbagna, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes by car. A major hub with long-haul and European connections.
Private Transfers
Garbagna Private Transfers
Garbagna is a village in the province of Alessandria, set in the foothills of the Liguri Apennines. It is recognised as one of the most characteristic villages of southern Piedmont, with a medieval layout of cobbled lanes, stone houses, and small squares surrounded by arcades. Its setting among wooded hills and valleys gives it a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
The focal point is Piazza Doria, framed by arcaded buildings and the parish Church of San Giovanni Battista. Above the village stand the remains of the Castello dei Fieschi, which once controlled this part of the Apennines. Garbagna is also known for the production of the Bella di Garbagna cherry, a local speciality. Road connections link the village with Tortona, Novi Ligure, and nearby towns of the upper Val Borbera.
The focal point is Piazza Doria, framed by arcaded buildings and the parish Church of San Giovanni Battista. Above the village stand the remains of the Castello dei Fieschi, which once controlled this part of the Apennines. Garbagna is also known for the production of the Bella di Garbagna cherry, a local speciality. Road connections link the village with Tortona, Novi Ligure, and nearby towns of the upper Val Borbera.
