Bardi borders the following municipalities: Bedonia, Bore, Borgo Val di Taro, Compiano, Farini, Ferriere, Morfasso, Valmozzola, Varsi.

In 1269 the castle was stormed by an army led by Alberto Fontana, and the commune of Piacenza held it until 1307, when Emperor Henry VII gave it back to Umbertino II Landi.

In 1682 Polissena's son Dario ceded Bardi to Ranuccio II Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, and the town followed the story of the latter until the unification of Italy.

From the late 19th to the 20th century, much of the town's population emigrated to France, Switzerland, Belgium and particularly Wales, where they had a notable impact on Welsh life.

During World War II the area saw numerous clashes between the German occupants and the partisans, the city being bombed by 12 Stukas on July 17, 1944.