Nasino: the Trekking of Tastes

Among towers, bell towers and ancient places of worship

A fascinating itinerary to discover Nasino, a small village in the Ligurian hinterland where history, spirituality and rural traditions intertwine in a still authentic landscape. A trek that leads among ancient chapels, medieval castles and striking bell towers, accompanied by the flavors of the area and the timeless atmosphere of the upper Pennavaire Valley.

The excursion starts from the parking lot near the “Dai Marchesin” farmhouse, an ideal starting point for exploring this area rich in historical and artistic evidence. The first stop is the Chapel of the Annunziata, overlooking a characteristic small square that preserves the village's ancient wash houses and historic fountain, places that tell of the daily life of the community in the past.

Continuing along the route we will reach the Castle of Nasino, built by the Clavesana family and later passed to the Del Carretto marquises, who maintained control until the 18th century. Its walls tell the long feudal history of these valleys, strategic routes connecting the coast and the hinterland.

The trek continues through ancient paths and small rural hamlets, touching on numerous religious buildings that testify to the valley's deep popular devotion. We will visit the Church of San Sebastiano, probably an ancient aristocratic chapel, and the Shrine of Mary Most Holy, also known as the Shrine of Maria Bambina for the special depiction kept on the high altar.

Along the way we will then encounter the Chapel of St. Anthony Abbot, characterized by its striking “windows of forgiveness,” and the ruins of the Chapel of St. Peter, immersed in the silence of the hilly landscape. Returning toward the center of the village we will also visit the lovely Chapel of St. Blaise, with its elegant small bell tower.

Finally, the route continues along a scenic path of about a mile and a half that leads to Poggio delle Caranche, where stand the ruins of the Chapel of the Madonna della Neve, a symbolic place of rural religiosity in the Ligurian hinterland. The itinerary concludes with a visit to the Chapel of the Guardian Angels, recognizable by its distinctive four-leaf clover window, the Chapel of San Bernardino with its characteristic bell gable, and the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, whose bell tower with an onion spire represents one of the village's most curious and distinctive architectural elements.

During the day there will be tastings of typical local products, to learn about the traditions of this area through flavors as well.

Technical Data

• Loop hiking trail
• Length: about 12 km or so
• Height difference: 350 m
• Duration: full day
• Difficulty: medium hiking
• Target audience: suitable for all lovers of walking and discovering the land. Regular walkers.

What to bring

• Water
• Packed lunch
• Hiking shoes
• Hat or bandana
• Comfortable and layered clothing
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Personal first aid

Free event organized by the Ancient Salt Roads Association as part of the project Roads of the Sea With the contribution of the De Mari Foundation.

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