Nasino-Borgo: Caves, Churches and Monte Galero

Nasino is located in the upper Val Pennavaira. The municipality brings together an alpine landscape and archaeological and religious heritage. A stay in Nasino-Borgo therefore appeals to a range of interests: the valley’s caves, historic religious buildings and excursions towards Monte Galero. The SP 14 del Pennavaire also runs through the municipality of Nasino.

Mountain scenery and excursion destinations

The municipality’s alpine landscape is characterised by dolomitic rock with marine fossils and high-altitude pastures. Nasino is a starting point for excursions to Monte Galero, which stands at 1,708 metres. The named mountain and its elevation provide a specific reference point for planning excursions, adding an alpine destination to the view of the upper Val Pennavaira.

The Area protetta Provinciale Monte Galero also includes the municipality of Nasino; Nasino is likewise part of the Area protetta Provinciale Castellermo - Rocca Livernà. Numerous rare or protected species are found in the Monte Galero protected area. It is also home to the westernmost peripheral population of Tetrao tetrix in the Alps. The municipal area is also a destination for mushroom gatherers, appealing to nature enthusiasts with interests beyond mountains and landscapes.

Caves and archaeological history

The caves in the Nasino valley were used by permanently or seasonally resident communities from the late Epigravettian period through to Roman times. The archaeological history is also evident in specific finds at Arma di Nasino: the cave has fourteen successive archaeological layers. Finds dating to around 9,000 years ago and two prehistoric burials were discovered there. The site’s appeal thus extends from the caves’ long history of use in the valley to the individual layers and burials at Arma.

Churches and historical heritage

The religious buildings mark different points in time. The origins of the Chiesa parrochiale di San Giovanni Battista are documented from the 13th century onwards; it is also the valley’s mother church. The Cappella dell’Annunziata dates from the 15th century. The present-day building of the Santuario della Natività di Maria Santissima dates from the 18th century. The dates therefore range from the documented origins of the valley church, through the chapel, to the present-day Santuario building.

The Santuario’s architectural form is also clearly described: it has an octagonal floor plan, with a presbytery adjoining it, and is topped by a dome. Near the ruins of the Cella of the Cappella della Madonna della Neve is a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child with two saints. An inscription at the base dates it to 29 July 1617. The fresco adds a specific subject and precise date to the architectural details.

Further heritage sites can be found in different parts of the municipality. The Ruderi della Cappella di San Pietro in Località Giraia are a rural church. The Cappella di San Sebastiano can be reached from the hamlet of Vignoletto in a few minutes via a mule track. Alongside the churches with their historical dates, these smaller buildings are also set within the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Varazze, San Pietro D'olba, Calizzano, Magliolo, Castelbianco, Altare, Stellanello, Vezzi San Giorgio

For the regional travel overview: Savona.