Casella: History and Walking Routes in the Ligurian Apennines

Casella lies in the Ligurian Apennines on the broad plain formed by the Scrivia River. The town’s character combines this landscape with religious buildings, squares and structures whose history spans several centuries. There are also routes with different points of reference: a walk of about an hour from the piazza to Montemaggio and connections to routes in the Val Brevenna.

Churches, Squares and Architectural History

The Oratorio di S. Antonio Abate has a precise date associated with it: its foundation stone was laid on 11 May 1556. The Chiesa di S. Stefano was built later, between 1718 and 1722, to a design by Simone Scaniglia. Its elliptical floor plan makes it a distinctive example in Casella’s architectural history. The sacristy also contains a depiction of the Nativity, attributed to the school of Domenico Fiasella. The building’s form and the artwork offer different points of interest in the same church.

The uniform architectural style of the surrounding buildings defines Piazza XXV Aprile. A building document from 1691 referred to these buildings as “Case del mercato” (market houses). The historic name and the consistent design offer two different ways of viewing the piazza: one is its recorded designation, the other the unified impression created by the buildings.

The Palazzo Fieschi has further architectural details: its tower bears a frieze that is now illegible, and the remains of two sundials have also survived. There are coats of arms on the façade and an open square courtyard inside. Those interested in local history can look beyond the churches and piazza to a palace with features on its tower, façade and courtyard.

Local History and Rural Character

Casella’s history is reflected not only in its religious buildings and palaces. All the meat consumed in the feudal territory of Savignone, which included Casella, was slaughtered at the Casa del Macello. The Palazzetto historically served as a compulsory exit route from Casella, used to control the area and collect customs duties. These two functions point to different aspects of everyday life at the time: slaughter and consumption on the one hand, control and customs duties on the other.

A different side of the town can be seen in Carpeneta, a typical rural village in Casella. It has a small piazza and a chapel dedicated to the Madonna della Guardia. While Piazza XXV Aprile is notable for the uniform architecture of the surrounding buildings, Carpeneta’s defining features include its small piazza and chapel.

The Station and Getting Your Bearings

Casella station is at the foot of the built-up area. Next to the station is a sports complex with swimming pools, a sports hall, a football pitch and public gardens. The Museo Diffuso 24 km also has an interactive touchscreen table at the station. The station, sports complex and museum installation are different points of reference and should not be confused with the historic buildings in the townscape.

Routes and Dates for Your Trip

The Via dei Feudi Imperiali can be walked from the piazza in Casella to Montemaggio in about an hour. This approximate duration applies to this particular stretch. Separate from this are the connections from routes starting in Casella to numerous trails in the Val Brevenna. These extend as far as Monte Antola, which is 1,597 metres high. This means that a specifically described stretch and a wider network of routes are available, without the same walking time being given for the other routes.

A recurring event is another local attraction: StraCasella is a non-competitive 10-kilometre run. If you would like to include a future edition in your trip plans, check its date separately. Focacce are sold in Casella for the Focacce di S. Antonio on 17 January and the following Sunday. Before your trip, check the details of the relevant year’s event.

Discover more destinations: Montebruno, Torrazza, Pegli, Tiglieto, San Salvatore, Nervi, Prato, Campo Ligure

For the broader travel overview: Genoa.