Cantalupo Ligure – History and the Strette di Pertuso

Cantalupo Ligure reveals itself through historic buildings, churches and striking landscapes along the Borbera. If you are looking for a hotel in Cantalupo Ligure, you can plan your trip according to whether you want to focus primarily on cultural history or on trails and nature. The historic sites tell stories spanning different centuries; the hiking trails vary in what matters most, from distance and duration to terrain and destination.

Castle history in Borgo Adorno

Castello di Borgo Adorno was a fief of the Genoese Spinola family until 1518. Towards the end of the 17th century, a landslide damaged the old castle. Marchese Luigi Botta Adorno had it partially demolished and built the present-day aristocratic palace. Just under two centuries separate the end of its time as a fief from its reconstruction—two clearly distinct phases in the building’s history.

Churches and historic traces

The Chiesa di Sant’Andrea in Zebedassi dates from the mid-16th century and was elevated to parish church status in 1629. In Prato, the church is dedicated to Saints Peter and Sylvester. The ruins of the former Chiesa di San Giulio, dating from the 14th century, are of a different kind: they lie near the road from the centre of Cantalupo Ligure to Località Prato, beside the cemetery. Together, these sites represent different aspects of sacred history: the date of construction and parish status, a dedication to saints, and the remains of a medieval place of worship.

The Strette di Pertuso and the Borbera

The Strette di Pertuso form a natural boundary between Borghetto di Borbera and Cantalupo Ligure, extending for 4 km between Persi and Pertuso. The canyon is about 100 m deep and 10 m wide. It dates from the Oligocene, 37 to 26 million years ago, and the Borbera stream flows through it along its entire length. Several access paths are available along the SP 140 on the Borbera riverbed side. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check their current status before your visit.

Hiking trails with different key details

Sentiero 260 runs from Pertuso to the parish church of Roccaforte Ligure. It is 7.23 km long and takes about four hours; this duration is an approximate guide, and trail conditions can change. Sentiero 209 crosses the conglomerate area of Costa Camisola, with exposed sections. It reaches the summit at 847 m above sea level and descends to the turnoff for Rivarossa. Take the exposed terrain into account when planning. Sentiero 210 starts in the town of Cantalupo Ligure and ends at Monte Giarolo. The routes therefore differ in what they offer: Sentiero 260 has a stated distance and approximate duration, Sentiero 209 features exposed terrain and a summit elevation, and Sentiero 210 has a specified starting point and destination.

Plan your access and parking

At kilometre 17.200 of the Cantalupo Ligure–Monte Giarolo route, Piazza Europa is on the right, where you can park your car. Sentiero 210 starts in the town and ends at Monte Giarolo. Check local parking conditions before you set off.

Everyone entering the Lago Cantalupo Ligure facility needs an Assolaghi card. Make sure to arrange a card for each person entering and check the current rules before your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Garadassi, Lobbi, Girasole, Sant’Agata Fossili, Ponti, Camino, Volpedo, Quattordio.

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.