Ronco Scrivia: Hiking, Mountains and Architectural History

Ronco Scrivia offers two concrete starting points for planning a trip: hiking trails through the mountain landscape and buildings with a range of historical connections. From several points in the town, trails lead to Monte Reale, Porale and the Rocche del Reopasso. Other cultural and historical points of interest include religious buildings, Palazzo Spinola, a bridge over the Scrivia and the restored Castello di Borgo Fornari.

Mountain Landscape and Monte Reale

Monte Reale lies in the Antola Regional Natural Park on the watershed between Val Vobbia and Valle Scrivia. At 920 metres, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Its location between the two valleys gives the mountain a clear geographical context, while the views add a perspective on the surrounding mountain landscape.

A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto stands on the summit; it was built in 1858. At Monte Reale, the mountain landscape and a building with a specific date come together. Those interested in religious architecture will find an additional feature at the summit, alongside its elevation and panoramic views.

Hiking Destinations and a Marked Route

From several points in Ronco Scrivia, hiking trails lead to Monte Reale, Porale and the Rocche del Reopasso. These three names offer a selection of specific hiking destinations. Monte Reale also offers the summit, chapel and panoramic views as additional points of interest.

A marked hiking route starts in the village of Villavecchia, on Via Postumia. It is marked with a yellow diamond, and the stated walking time is two hours. For planning your outings, you can distinguish between the three hiking destinations listed above and the route from Villavecchia, which has a stated walking time.

Churches, Palazzo and Bridge

Chiesa di S. Martino is a parish church in Ronco Scrivia. The Oratorio di S. Giacomo is a parish oratory dating to around the beginning of the 17th century. The two names offer a glimpse of different types of religious buildings; in the case of the oratory, the approximate date adds historical context.

At Palazzo Spinola, the façade design takes centre stage: it features the frontal symmetry typical of the Renaissance. The building also follows the model of the Ville Alessiane, which became widespread in Genoa from the 15th century onwards. Its design can therefore be understood both through the arrangement of the façade and its connection to an architectural tradition known in Genoa.

A 15th-century bridge with pointed arches crosses the Scrivia. Its arches are a clearly identifiable feature that adds another type of structure to the historic buildings in the area.

Castle and Big Bench

The restored Castello di Borgo Fornari has hosted theatre performances, concerts, historical reenactments and evenings devoted to observing celestial bodies. The programme ranges from performances to events with historical or astronomical themes. As the programme may vary, check the dates if an event is to determine the timing of your trip.

To reach the Big Bench di Ronco Scrivia, drive to the car park next to Rifugio Pietro Brunengo; from there, a short path continues through green surroundings. For planning purposes, this two-stage journey is useful: first drive to the car park, then continue on foot.

Find a Hotel for Your Stay

When looking for a hotel in Ronco Scrivia, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: will the hiking destinations take centre stage, or would you like to include architectural history and possible events? If an event at the castle is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific dates, as the programme may vary.

Discover more destinations: Nervi, San Lorenzo della Costa, Leivi, Casella, Prati, Gaiazza, Cogoleto, Velva.

Back to the main travel overview: Genoa.