Art & Culture

The sanctuaries on the peaks

One step away from heaven.

One step away from heaven.

Whether you are true lovers of trekking, fearless in challenging the most inaccessible routes, or simply passionate about landscapes and breathtaking views, our territory is what you are looking for, especially when it comes to sanctuaries on the peaks.
We have selected for you the most evocative, some easily accessible by car, others only via marked trails, and it is precisely from these that we want to start.
In pole position there is the suggestive church perched on the top of Monte Tobbio, dedicated to the Madonna di Caravaggio, the beating heart of the Parco delle Capanne di Marcarolo. The skyline is unmistakable, the view that can be enjoyed from up there unforgettable: on clear days the gaze sweeps up to the Gulf of Genoa, only 18 km away from the crow flies and, towards the interior, embraces the hills of Monferrato up to alpine arc. The recommended walking itinerary is the one that starts from the picturesque village of Voltaggio; after a half hour of path, you move on a wide mule track coming from the Valico degli Eremiti, following which you first reach the Dagliola Pass and then, going up the southern slope of the Tobbio, the small church on the top, for a duration total of about two hours.

Equally exciting is the climb to the abandoned village of Rivarossa, which can be reached along the path 208 of the Borbera-Spinti ring. It is accessed from the spectacular location of the Strette di Pertuso, a canyon carved by the Borbera river; the path starts from Casa Cantoniera on provincial 140 in the locality of Baracche. After a first rough and steep stretch, in the second part it softens and climbs into an area freer from vegetation. After about 50 minutes you will arrive in the suggestive abandoned village of Rivarossa and, after the last 5 minutes of walking, the perfectly preserved Church of the Madonna di Rivarossa.

We now arrive at the sanctuaries that can also be reached by car, making them accessible to all.
Continuing along the vein of the Val Borbera, we find the Church of San Giorgio, built in 1665 by the Marquis Napoleone IV Spinola, which stands on a small hill outside the center of Roccaforte. From the churchyard, covered by a dense turf, an incredible view opens towards the west that reaches the Alps. A majestic Via Crucis made up of 14 stations (with related chapels) leads to the sanctuary of Cà del Bello, or Madonna della Neve: the church is located along the grid of the "Strade della Libertà", theater of the courage of the Partisans during the Great War.

Now we move to Stazzano to get to know the Sanctuary of Monte Spineto, the last buttress of the Ligurian Apennines located between the Scrivia valley and the Borbera valley: a privileged observation point over the entire valley, inside there is a suggestive room of the "former vote ", a symbol of deeply rooted popular devotion.

And, to conclude our journey, we arrive at the soft Gavi hills with the sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Guardia: located in a dominant position above Gavi on the Turchini hill, from here you can admire the whole Val Lemme. The origins of the Sanctuary date back to 1746, when the bombing of the Austrian army against the Fort of Gavi and the drought threatened to bring the population to their knees: this was not the case, and that is why today we can enjoy this wonderful place.

Strutture convenzionate in zona
Cascina delle Signore Guest House
Ancient and charming farmstead, with quiet rooms and relaxation areas for guests.
Il Mulino
A comfortable hotel at the beginning of the Borbera Valley.
Il Fiorile
Restaurant and hospitality at the entrance to the wonderful Borbera Valley.
La Tana degli Orsi
Two charming apartments perfect for setting out to discover the Val Borbera.
L'Antica Dimora sul Fiume
A splendid stone farmhouse overlooking the Borbera river.
Morando
Hotel and restaurant with swimming pool in the heart of Val Borbera.
Albergo Ristorante Cacciatori
Since 1920, four generations with the same passion and the same care for hospitality.
Foresteria La Merlina
A small oasis of well-being where you can taste a territory and listen to the sound of silence.
Ponte
Family welcome and genuine cuisine in the heart of Val Borbera valley.
Albergo Capanne di Cosola
A typical mountain hotel where you can savor the best local cuisine.
Il Convitto
A charming b&b in the heart of Val Borbera valley.
Cottage La Quercia
A charming cottage surrounded by nature.
Regione Piemonte
Regione Piemonte