Piana Crixia: Nature, History and Local Traditions

Piana Crixia combines striking landscapes with historic landmarks and local traditions. In the Regional Nature Park, flat areas used for agriculture stand in contrast to rugged elevations. Other highlights include the distinctive Fungo, a panoramic hiking trail, and places with medieval and later history. You can tailor your travel plans depending on which of these interests you most.

Landscape, Fungo and Hiking Trail

The Calanchi shape the landscape of the nature park: weathering has carved them out of the elevations above, and they continue to develop. These sculpted slopes stand in contrast to the agricultural plains. The Sentiero delle Creste, also known as Sentiero 1 or REL 1, is a clearly identified hiking trail. It is 2.6 kilometres long and designated as a one-hour trail of panoramic interest. It starts in the hamlet of Pontevecchio. Check route information locally before hiking.

Another geological feature is the Fungo di Piana Crixia. It rises near the hamlet of Borgo, on the bank of a bend in the Bormida di Spigno river. The formation is about 15 metres high: a huge mass of ophiolitic rock is supported by a conglomerate column. This makes the Fungo quite different from the erosion-shaped Calanchi; both features illustrate the area's geology, but in different ways.

Historic Landmarks and Architecture

Visible historic landmarks include the remains of a medieval castle on a hill in Piana Crixia. Another point of reference is the church dedicated to Saints Eugenio, Vittore and Corona. It was built in Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century. Archaeological finds dating from between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD have also been discovered in the hamlet of Pareta. Together, these details provide a broad historical perspective—from ancient finds and medieval castle remains to an 18th-century church.

Nature Park and Local Traditions

The Regional Nature Park's educational programme “Tra sole terra e acqua” is aimed at schools. It begins with a visit to the multimedia room at the Centro Parco and offers insights into the protected area's geomorphology, flora and fauna, rural architecture and local legends. The local culinary tradition is represented by torrone from Piana Crixia, traditionally made with hazelnuts, eggs, honey and sugar. A wafer made from flour or potato starch adds a finishing touch to the confection.

Getting There and Practical Planning

Piana Crixia can be reached via the Savona–Alessandria railway line; the station is in the Molino district. Check the timetable for your travel date. In the hamlet of Pontevecchio, the park also has a free seasonal campervan site with five pitches. It is listed as open from 15 March to 15 October. Take this seasonal restriction into account when planning your trip.

When planning your stay, you can choose nature, history or local traditions as your main focus.

Discover more destinations: Brasi, Borghi, Calizzano, Calice Ligure, Capitolo-costa, Celle Ligure, Bardino Nuovo, Varazze.

For the broader travel overview: Savona.