Mele: Paper Mills, Acquasanta and Migratory Birds

Mele brings together the history of paper with religious and landscape themes. In Acquasanta, a district of the municipality, the sanctuary, a sulphur spring and a recurring procession are among the distinctive sights. Other discoveries include historic mills, art and migratory birds. To plan your stay, you can first decide whether to focus on culture, a festival or an outdoor activity.

Paper history in Mele

The Museo Carta Mele is housed in the former Piccardo paper mill. The mill was built in 1756 and closed in 1985. At the museum, visitors can learn how plant fibres and waste paper were once processed into new paper. The history of paper comes to life through both the building and the production process itself. To reach the Museo della Carta di Mele, take the train from Genoa to Genova Acquasanta. From there, you can reach the museum in ten minutes on foot or take AMT bus route 101 to the Acquasanta Santuario stop. Check the train and bus connections again before travelling.

Acquasanta: pilgrimage and tradition

The first reliably documented mention of the Santuario N.S. dell’Acquasanta dates to 1465. The Cappelletta near Acquasanta stands by a sulphur spring and houses an old wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. The Festa N.S. Signora dell’Acquasanta offers another opportunity to discover the district’s religious tradition: it takes place on the last Sunday in July and includes a torchlit procession. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check that year’s programme.

Art and the history of the thermal baths

The Oratorio di Sant’Antonio Abate houses a cycle of paintings by Carlo Giuseppe Ratti. The scenes depict the life of Saint Anthony Abbot and date from 1777 to 1782. There is also a processional chest of Saint Anthony Abbot by Anton Maria Maragliano, dating from the 18th century. The Terme di Acquasanta provide another historical connection: the thermal complex near Mele was built between 1830 and 1832 to use sulphurous water for treatments. This history describes how the water was used in the past; it says nothing about current services.

Trails, landscape and activity

The trails differ in character. On the Sentiero Frassati, one of the two routes is reserved for experienced hikers. The mountaineering difficulties lie on narrow rock ledges on the north ridge of Costolone Baiardetta. Those interested in industrial heritage will find a different focus on the Andar per Cartiere trail: starting from Fondocrosa, the southernmost district of the municipality of Mele, it leads to the Ferriera and a group of eight old paper mills. The trail also takes you to the village of Gorsexio, where you can see the waterwheel of an old mill. The complete route also includes an optional path from Mele along the Gorsexio stream towards the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. Check local trail conditions before hiking.

Sport also has a direct connection to Acquasanta: the 2026 edition of Vertikal Punta Martin includes a mountain race in the Vertical Kilometer format, starting in Acquasanta at 165 metres above sea level. For future editions, check the dates for the relevant year.

Bird migration and local festivals

The area around Mele serves as a migratory route for birds. These include the short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and the European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Bird migration adds a nature perspective to the historical and religious themes. The Sagra du fugassin is a traditional food festival celebrating the potato focaccine typical of Mele. If you plan to travel for the festival, check the dates of the relevant edition in advance.

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