Casà: Trip to Lago di Val Noci

From Borgo di Casà, you can take a trip to Lago di Val Noci. The lake is an artificial reservoir in the municipality of Montoggio; the Lago Val Noci fishing reserve covers the entire reservoir. This gives you a specific destination for your stay while distinguishing between the lake as a place to visit and fishing as an activity. If you are considering fishing, check the reserve’s rules and boundaries in advance.

Lago Val Noci: circular trail and construction history

The Anello del Lago Val Noci circular trail also runs around Lago Val Noci. It passes the remains of monumental lime kilns dating from the early 20th century. The trail also passes a dam built from the 1920s onward to supply water to “Grande Genova.” The range of topics thus extends from the lake as a destination for a trip from Casà to historic structures along the circular trail. The lime kilns and the dam offer distinct points of interest: one features monumental remains from the early 20th century, while the other is a structure built for the specific purpose of supplying water.

Montoggio: trails and natural areas

The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri runs along the mountain ridge in the municipality of Montoggio, where stages 26 and 27 are located. Another natural feature is the Val Noci - Torrente Geirato - Alpesisa Special Area of Conservation. This protected area covers 637 hectares and includes Montoggio. The route and the protected area offer different perspectives: the Alta Via is defined by its course along the mountain ridge and its specific stage numbers, while the protected area is defined by its size.

Montoggio’s forests consist mainly of mixed deciduous woodland. The forests and meadows provide habitats for badgers, foxes, stone martens, wild boar and dormice. A rare salamander species, the Geotritone, is also found in Montoggio. Together, these details paint a picture of nature that includes the predominant forest type and its habitats, as well as the presence of a rare species.

Landmarks and culinary tradition

Montoggio’s landmarks include the monumental Castello dei Fieschi complex, the Bioparco and the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Tre Fontane. The castle became the property of the Fieschi, one of Genoa’s most influential families, and served them mainly as a fortress in the 15th and 16th centuries. After the matter concerning Gian Luigi Fieschi was concluded, it was completely demolished with explosives in 1547. By contrast, the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Tre Fontane, also known as the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Tre Fontane, was built in the second half of the 12th century. These two historical references therefore differ considerably in period: the sanctuary dates back to the 12th century, while the castle’s military role belongs mainly to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Canestrello di Montoggio adds a culinary dimension to the nature and culture on offer. It is a variation of canestrello that was originally made with chestnut flour and often with homemade honey.

Discover more destinations: Pegli, Santa Margherita Ligure, Nervi, Coreglia Ligure, Mele, Rapallo, Zoagli, Sella.

Return to the main travel overview: Genoa.