Fontanigorda

Fontanigorda is on a mountainous spur which geologists call frontal moraine of an ancient glacier that was located on the upper extremity of the valley from the Roccabruna mountain to the Infantrymen Castle; the geologic analysis of the ground is very interesting and varied, as it is for the whole district ; other moraines are to be found towards the valley floor where big trunks of firs fossils were drawn out in past times being rests of ancient forests. From the valley floor Fontanigorda seems to be sheltered on top of the mountain, actually it is well distributed on an ample and level ground behind the ancient village and delimitated by thick woods which are destination of numerous tourists.
The historical events that have featured his growth do not diverge from those of the other human settlements in Trebbia Valley: Fontanigorda was ruled by the Malaspinas, owner of Lunigiana, and later by the Fieschis from Lavagna. During the 13th century the Republic of Genoa gave the village to the Dorias which granted particular privileges to the inhabitants. The village was A cantonal center under the French empire from 1805 to 1815; afterwards it was ruled by the Savoias and it was the municipal headquarter of the Ottone district. In 1861 it ruled by the Province of Pavia and since 1923 when it has been ruled by the Province of Genoa.
The name Fontanigorda comes from its 13 small fountains scattered in the whole village. An appreciated destination by tourists is the "Fairies Wood," rich of chestnut and beech trees, with a recreational and sport center and a suggestive poetic path laid down on slate in which are engraved the most beautiful verses dedicated to the valley by George Caproni.