Ne: Hotels between mining history and the Ligurian landscape

Ne combines a distinctive mining history with landscapes ranging from Mediterranean areas to pre-Alpine pastures. There is also a bridge above a deep gorge, Roman traces in Statale and a network of paths leading in different directions. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between the different highlights: the Miniera di Gambatesa is closed until further notice, while the Anello del Monte Bossea circular trail offers specific details on its length, difficulty and approximate duration.

Mining history and architectural heritage

The Miniera di Gambatesa was Europe’s largest manganese mine. Mining took place there from 1876 to 2011, when operations ceased. The historical museum route, accompanied by a guide and the distinctive miners’ train, ran for about one kilometre through the underground mine. Visitors then continued on foot through the mine’s geological, mineralogical and mining history. This glimpse into its former use adds a clearly industrial dimension to the landscape. Its current status remains crucial: the mine is closed until further notice.

Another structure highlights the relationship between architecture and landscape: the Ponte di Nascio dates from the 18th century and stands 20 metres above the deep gorge of the Rio Novelli. From the bridge, you can look down into the spectacular, narrow, deeply cut gorge. Here, the bridge’s construction and the shape of the terrain sit side by side; the gorge is not merely a backdrop, but an essential part of the place described.

Statale, too, connects local history with the landscape. Roman remains were uncovered during archaeological excavations in the hamlet. A mostly unpaved road leads from Cassagna to Statale, passing through impressive chestnut forests. The archaeological finds and the road through the woods offer two different reasons to explore this part of Ne: one involves traces of earlier settlement, the other a landscape shaped by its chestnut groves.

Landscape between the Mediterranean and the Pre-Alps

Ne’s landscapes range from Mediterranean areas to pre-Alpine pastures. The exposed surface of the area also tells a story spanning a much longer timescale: it formed when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and was the seabed of an ocean that has since disappeared. Ne therefore brings together very different natural histories—from a former marine landscape to the pastures that are part of the landscape today. Those seeking to understand the area will find not just one type of landscape, but a remarkable range.

Trail network, hiking and fishing

Ne’s trail network connects directly to the Ligurian Levante coast and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri; it also extends as far as the Via Francigena. These connections offer hikers various points of reference, though the routes do not all lead in the same direction or serve the same purpose. One specific option is the Anello del Monte Bossea circular trail: it starts and ends at the Miniera di Gambatesa, is five kilometres long, is rated easy and takes about one hour and 30 minutes. This gives you both an approximate time estimate and the stated difficulty for planning your hike. As route details may be updated, check the park’s information before setting out.

Fishing is also possible in Ne, in the Graveglia stream. This offers two different activities: a hike with a specified length and duration, and fishing by the stream. When choosing, consider whether you would rather experience the landscape on a circular trail or spend time fishing by the water. Together with the bridges, mining and landscape, these activities create a varied picture of Ne, without requiring every interest to fit into the same outing.

Discover more destinations: Camogli, Uscio, Nervi, Moconesi, Testana, Serra Riccò, Statale, Gorreto.

Return to the main travel overview: Genoa.