Torriglia borders the following municipalities: Davagna, Lorsica, Lumarzo, Mocònesi, Montebruno, Montoggio, Neirone, Propata, Rondanina, Valbrevenna.

In the Middle Ages it was a possession of the Bobbio Abbey, and then (1227) of the Malaspina and (mid-14th century) of the Fieschi, who built a castle here.

Later it was under the Republic of Genoa, and Torriglia was involved in the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines, causing its siege by the Genoese in 1432.

Torriglia lies on the State Road 45 of Val Trebbia, connecting Genoa to Piacenza.

Torriglia is popularly known as the UFO capital of Italy, due to the numerous "contacts" that occurred in its territory during the 1970s, which had as protagonist Pier Fortunato Zanfretta.