Borghetto Di Vara: Churches, Art and Ancient Paths

When looking for hotels in Borghetto Di Vara, first consider whether you are most interested in church art and rural architecture, religious traditions, or trails and landscapes. These interests lead to different historical and scenic experiences.

Churches, Art and Rural Architecture

The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo in Cassana was built on an existing Romanesque structure, remains of which are still visible. The church also houses a triptych dated 1605 and attributed to Giovanni Francesco Cassana. In Cassana, traces of an older building and a dated early modern work of art can therefore be seen side by side.

Other churches also provide specific points of interest for exploring the area’s cultural history. The parish church of San Maurizio in Pogliasca dates from the late 17th century; the year 1671 is inscribed on the lintel above its main portal. The Church of Sacro Cuore di Gesù was rebuilt after the Second World War, following the wartime destruction of San Carlo Borromeo.

Several dates should be distinguished in the case of the Abbazia dell’Accola: the founding of its church is probably dated to the Lombard period, based on a Lombard cross carved into the sandstone portal. An altar and two frescoes have been preserved inside; the frescoes date from the late 17th or early 18th century. The first documentary reference to the Corte dell’Accola dates from 881. In L’Ago, the parish church of Sant’Andrea, with its significant works of art, is one of the sights. In Bocca Pignone, the church dedicated to the Madonna della Castagna is a sight to see.

Architectural heritage can be found beyond the churches. Cassana consists of separate historic settlement clusters scattered along a path halfway up the hillside. They feature carved portals, threshing floors and characteristic carrugi. L’Ago also preserves a significant heritage of historic rural architecture. These examples draw attention both to individual buildings and to the layout of the settlements.

Trails and Landscapes

Trail 48, the Sentiero Cassana–Bardellone, leads from the Piazzale della Foce in Cassana along the Torrente Cassana to Monte Bardellone. The section along the stream features waterfalls and small lakes due to the significant changes in elevation, and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.

Trail 49 passes over Monte Castellaro, where the cross is located; on September 14, the cross is the destination of a religious pilgrimage. The Anello Sentieristico di Cassana provides access to the Resciadora bone cave. A preserved old single-arch bridge documents a historic route from Colle di Roverano to the Torrente Malacqua.

Religious Traditions and Local Products

The Santuario Nostra Signora di Roverano is set in a quiet, secluded location, surrounded by olive and chestnut trees. A historic path leads from Montale to the sanctuary via Monte Piano and below Monte Pistone. For many years, a group from Montale has walked this path in June. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared there to two shepherd girls on September 7; the year is believed to have been sometime between 1350 and 1352. The sanctuary is also associated with the tradition of the olive blossom, which is observed every year on September 7 after the religious celebrations.

There is also a recurring custom at the cross in Località Castellaro: the annual visit is organized by the ACLI di Cassana association. The two trail and pilgrimage themes can thus be distinguished by their respective connections: Trail 49 leads to the cross, while the organized visit is described as an annual tradition.

Pisello nero di L’Ago is grown in the municipality of Borghetto di Vara; its main area of cultivation is the hamlet of L’Ago. The Comunità del Cibo del Pisello Nero works to preserve and promote the legume. The Festa di San Giovanni Battista, held in L’Ago in June, combines a religious celebration with musical entertainment and typical products of the valley.

If you are planning your trip around a particular festival, check its date when making your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pegui, San Bernardino, Ponzano Superiore, Tavarone, Deiva Marina, Monterosso al Mare, Caranza, Corvara

Go to the main travel overview: La Spezia.