Geographic Introduction

Geographical Introduction

We are in Liguria, between the two provinces of Savona and Imperia, its valleys cross over into the province of Cuneo and the lower Piedmont region. A vast and diversified territory which sets off from the plains of Albenga, where Cisano sul Neva lies, small and welcoming medieval historic centre which has become a meeting point for climbers (bar, technical shops, grocery store), to then head up into Val Neva and Val Pennavaire until the Piedmont region, going up the hills and mountains which reach one thousand metres altitude above sea level. The more representative mountains, on whose slopes the crags rise, lie to the south of Val Pennavaire, monte Castell’Ermo, monte Galero right on the border with Piedmont and the watershed between Neva and Pennavaire, and Poggio Grande, which overlooks the plains of Albenga. Around it there is a thick network of paths and trails which is ideal for trekking and mountain biking: wild paths which run through the woods and charming landscapes, fascinating abandoned villages with stone bridges which run over crystal clear torrents. A network which goes hand in hand with the tourists crossing this territory which is hardly frequented, full of natural caves (Arme), among which we point out the famous Arma Veirana for its recent archaeological findings, or the ones in the area

of Aquila Arroscia where karst rock is frequent and very unique. The many historic centres found in the two valleys described in this guide book are worthy of mention. In Val Neva Erli and Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena should not be missed, this latest one is wedged into the quartzite which overlooks the entire valley. In Val Pennavaire we find the beautiful Colletta di Castelbianco, known as the ‘Telematic village’, completely restored during the early 2000s, and built specifically as a residence for holiday homes, it even has its own pub. Always in Val Pennavaire, where the gradients are not as steep, we find the hamlets of Vesallo and Veravo di Castelbianco, with many historic homes restored in stone and often made into B&Bs. Heading up the valley we find Nasino, divided into many hamlets perched onto the steep slopes among these Capoluogo, Costa, Vignolo and Vignoletto with its beautiful stone walls and the olive trees which make it a beautiful setting. Finally in the upper Val Pennavaire we will find Alto, the first commune in Piedmont with its beautiful castle and tavern, definitely worth a visit after a day of climbing. Capruana with its small historic centre which is far from the sea and begins to have an alpine look about it. Probably the most fascinating thing about this area is the incredible stone bridges which date back to Roman times, and run over the torrents Neva, Pennavaire, and their affluents, a few right along the paths which lead to the crags.