Marta: Church, History and Trails

A cycling route climbs Monte Pisciavino, which stands 600 metres high; another section runs from the Marta cemetery along a singletrack trail and gravel path to the riverbank. The bell tower of the church dedicated to Saint Marta stands out in the landscape. Historical references range from the area around the present-day hamlet to the Oratory of Santa Marta, which belonged to the parish of Santo Stefano in 1632. Cycling and hiking routes round out the picture with named high points, climbs, descents and trail types.

Church and historical references

The church sits on higher ground; its bell tower stands out along the village on the hillside.

Marta’s history reaches back to the area around the present-day hamlet: Marta had already existed there since 1153. Another historical reference dates to 1632, when the Oratory of Santa Marta was part of the parish of Santo Stefano. The year 1153 refers to Marta’s early existence in the area around the present-day hamlet, while 1632 refers to the Oratory of Santa Marta’s affiliation with the parish of Santo Stefano.

Cycling routes with climbs and descents

A cycling route climbs Monte Pisciavino, which stands 600 metres high, then descends along a singletrack trail to the hamlet of Marta. It therefore specifies both the high point and the descent to Marta. Another section runs from the Marta cemetery along a singletrack trail and gravel path to the riverbank. The descent from Monte Pisciavino leads to the hamlet of Marta; the section from the Marta cemetery ends at the riverbank after a singletrack trail and gravel path. Trail conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

Hiking routes and their trail features

The Villanova d'Albenga–Albenga hiking route climbs from the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie to Marta. Beyond Marta, it follows the gas pipeline corridor to the provincial road to Testico. Check trail conditions before hiking.

The Torre Pisana–Garlenda circular hike reaches Marta via paths between dry-stone walls and olive terraces. From the church, it descends on a paved road towards San Rocco. The Torre Pisana–Garlenda circular hike reaches Marta via dry-stone walls and olive terraces and descends from the church on a paved road towards San Rocco; the Villanova d'Albenga–Albenga route climbs from the sanctuary to Marta and continues to the provincial road to Testico.

Dated glimpses of local Christmas displays

Earlier Christmas displays also add to the cultural picture of Marta. In December 2023, a nativity scene was created at the community centre in the hamlet of Marta. In December 2022, the hamlet’s community centre hosted religious displays and workshops for children as part of a local Christmas event. In December 2023, a nativity scene was created at the community centre in the hamlet of Marta; in December 2022, the Christmas event at the community centre featured religious displays and workshops for children.

For the broader travel overview: Villanova D'albenga.