The town was probably founded inRoman times. In theMiddle Ages it was a possession of theBobbio Abbey, and then (1227) of theMalaspina and (mid-14th century) of theFieschi, who built a castle here. Later it was under theRepublic of Genoa, and Torriglia was involved in the wars betweenGuelphs and Ghibellines, causing its siege by the Genoese in 1432. In 1548 it was acquired by theDoria family, who held it until the Napoleonic invasion of 1797.
In 1815 Torriglia became part of theKingdom of Sardinia and, from 1861, of the unifiedKingdom of Italy. During World War II it was the seat of partisan resistance.
Torriglia lies on the State Road 45 of Val Trebbia, connecting Genoa toPiacenza. A7 and A12 Highways can be reached fromBusalla, which is also the seat of the nearest railway station.
Torriglia is popularly known as theUFO capital of Italy, due to the numerous "contacts" that occurred in its territory during the 1970s, which had as protagonistPier Fortunato Zanfretta.Torriglia is known for the Canestrelletto, a small short-pastry cookie. It has the shape of a six pointed star, with a hole in the middle and a dusting of icing sugar, it even has a Festival in its honour, "Festa del Canestrelletto", held every year from 1998 in which all Producers of "Il Canestrelletto di Torriglia"® take part
