Prato: Churches, Hiking Trails and Nature

Prato appeals to travelers interested in churches, hiking and nature. Prato Sopralacroce is home to two churches with different historical connections; there are also trails to named destinations, as well as landscape and geological features at Prato Mollo and Pratomollo. You can make cultural history, a specific trail option or a nature observation the focus of your plans.

Churches and History in Prato Sopralacroce

The present-day structure of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Prato Sopralacroce dates to a reconstruction in 1730. The church also houses an altarpiece from the early 18th century. It is attributed to the Genoese school of painting; it may have been created in the workshop of Domenico Piola. This brings architectural history and art from the same period together in one place, although the workshop attribution remains a possibility.

San Martino di Licciorno offers a glimpse of a different era. The Romanesque church dates to the 11th century and was built by the Benedictines of Borzone Abbey. While Santa Maria Assunta offers historical details from the 18th century through its reconstruction and altarpiece, San Martino takes visitors back to medieval architectural history. For those interested in culture, this contrast in periods is a clear difference between the two churches.

Wetland and Geology

A rare wetland with typical flora and fauna lies on the Prato Mollo plateau. Its habitat and characteristic plant and animal life make the area a distinctive natural attraction. Those interested in landscape not only as scenery but also in habitats will find a specific point of interest here.

Pietra Borghese, a large block of peridotite with magnetic properties, is located at Pratomollo. It is also a stop on the park’s educational Sentiero Ofiolitico hiking trail. This site brings together a geological feature and the educational aspect of a hiking trail.

Hiking Trails and Destinations

Hiking trails from Prato Sopralacroce lead to San Martino di Licciorno and Monte Aiona. The area also has the Anello del Parco A8. A walking path leads to Fonte Ferruginosa di Zanoni; a very short detour branches off this path to Cascata da Cianà. The options differ in what they lead to: some trails go to named places, the A8 is a loop, and the path to the spring can be combined with a short detour to the waterfall. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

A footpath leads to Rifugio Monte Aiona from Sopralacroce via the FIE red triangle marker. A signed, mostly level footpath leads to Malga Zanoni in about 20 to 30 minutes; it begins near a bend in the road. The malga operates seasonally, so it is advisable to check its current operating status before visiting. The approximate walking time provides a rough guide for planning; the trail profile and seasonal operation are separate considerations.

Discover more destinations: La Costa, Tiglieto, Mortola, Valbrevenna, Ruta, Zoagli, Castiglione Chiavarese, Campomorone.

Return to the broader travel overview: Genoa.