Truffles and woodland treasures
The itinerary through the Langhe and Roero starts in Saliceto, in Valle Bormida. The small center, whose name
derives from the Provence Salii tribe, is distinctive by its massive 13th
century castle.
The real gem which should not be missed is the group of frescos
conserved in the chapel of San Martino di Lignera. The large square apse was
painted by an unknown artist, probably of the school from the Monregalese area
during the second half of the 1400's, with subjects connected to the life of San
Martino.
You ascend then towards Prunetto, where there is the best conserved
castle of the Alta Langa region. The building, recently restored and open to
the public, dates from the 12th Century and presents the typical fortifications
to guarantee the safety of the local lords of the time.
Also the position is
spectacular:
Built on a small hilltop, it offers an extraordinary view of the Bormida valley. Nearby there is the
church of Madonna of Carmine, with its precious 14th century frescos.
The
route continues, descending towards the valley bottom and reaches Gorzegno, with its
suggestive
ruins of the castle of the Del Carretto family, and continues to Torre
Bormida. The small center recalls the elegance of terraces, a real identity mark
of the territory of the Bormida valleys.
The terraces are one of the most
tangible and characteristic signs of this territory: the work of man has molded
the hills over the centuries, setting up a system of dry sandstone walls, now
object of systematic restoration work. From here it is possible to take a
deviation towards Cravanzana to pass through an area rich with hazelnut trees.
The village, which on the 1st of September each year hosts a fair known from
ancient times, is the most important center for the production of the Tonda
Gentile hazelnut, Retracing your steps you descend to Cortemilia, the most
important center in the valley. Worthy of note is the Sagra della Nocciola
Tonda Gentile which takes place each year during the second half of August.
The
center boasts a noble past, with traces of same in monuments and palaces in the
historical center. The real gem however is the
parish church of Santa Maria, dating from the 12th century, situated just
outside the village at the foot of a beautiful terraced hill. According to
tradition, this place of cult hosted San Francesco who stayed there to preach
during a journey to France. Interesting to note is the reality museum which was
founded to conserve and publicize one of the most significant expressions of
peasant culture in the territory.
From Cortemilia you can take three
deviations. The first towards Bergolo, tiny and fascinating village in stone,
very well conserved and restored, noted center for tourism with large
accommodation capacity and suggestive landscape.
Towards south you can go along
the Uzzone valley, the wildest in the Langhe area. Pezzolo Valle Uzzone and
Castelletto Uzzone are the municipalities that represent this territory,
characterized by untouched surroundings and a considerable number of monuments.
Not to miss is a visit to Gorrino, a medieval corner forgotten by time. Also
worth visiting is Perletto, characteristic town situated half way up a slope
above a well conserved
tower which dominates the Valley.
Courtesy of ATR Piedmont - Regione Piedmont
