Discover Lerma

Lerma brings together a castle, a preserved historic settlement, churches, and themes related to gold-mining history and astronomy.

Castle and early settlement

The main structures of Lerma Castle date from the late 15th century; it was built by Luca Spinola. It stands on a tuff outcrop above the Piota River. Within the town walls, the ancient Ricetto, the settlement’s first nucleus, remains intact. The castle can be placed in context by its patron and date of construction; the Ricetto represents the settlement’s first nucleus. Lerma thus brings together late-medieval architectural history and the history of its earliest settlement.

Sanctuary and Romanesque church

The Santuario della Rocchetta was built before 1291 and is now known as Nostra Signora delle Grazie. A road lined with 19th-century Stations of the Cross leads to the sanctuary. The building and the road’s setting therefore reflect different periods: the sanctuary’s early construction date contrasts with the later-dated stations.

The Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista al Piano is thought to be what remains of Lerma’s older settlement, known as Rondinaria. Both church sites are useful for understanding the area’s cultural history, but they are not interchangeable: the sanctuary has a specific date, while the church at Piano is probably associated with the older settlement.

Gold-mining history and astronomy

The Museo Storico Italiano dell'Oro is devoted to the history of Italy’s gold deposits. Its collection includes historical documents, topographic maps, photographs, tools and samples of gold-bearing minerals. This collection brings together written and cartographic materials with photographs, equipment and mineral samples, making the subject of Italy’s gold deposits tangible from several perspectives. Access to the museum is by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance, as the arrangements may change.

The Lerma Astronomical Observatory serves as a research centre and, above all, an educational centre for schools and visitors. Astronomy thus emerges as a distinct focus alongside gold-mining history. If you plan to explore this focus, check in advance which programmes are currently scheduled, as they may change.

Protected area and trail

Lerma is one of the municipalities included in the Capanne di Marcarolo protected area, designated as SAC/SPA IT1180026. The Sentiero Cirimilla–Cascina I Foi is also suitable for mountain bikes. It connects the Ovadese localities of Tagliolo, Lerma and Casaleggio Boiro with the remote hamlet of Capanne di Marcarolo. The protected-area designation and the route description refer to different aspects: one places Lerma within the protected area, while the other describes a specific connection and its suitability for mountain bikes. If planning a visit, check the protected area’s boundaries and management details before you travel; before setting out on a ride, also check current trail conditions.

September event

The Festa del Fungo is an event held in Lerma in September. If you are planning your trip around it, check the exact dates and programme in advance, as both may change.

Discover more destinations: Montemarzino, Montecapraro, Cardona, Palazzina, Voltaggio, Spineto Scrivia, Alessandria, Monticelli

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