Discover Predosa: Nature on the Torrente Orba

A stay in Predosa can be planned around nature, outdoor activities, local history and culinary experiences. If you are looking for a hotel, choosing a personal focus can help with your selection: would you like to spend time on the Torrente Orba, explore paths on foot or by bike, learn about the area’s history, or plan a culinary occasion?

Nature on the Torrente Orba

The Torrente Orba is considered Predosa’s main local attraction. A route along its banks runs from the old masonry of the castle to the distinctive Borgo Retorto; you can travel along it on foot or by bike. The riverside route therefore has a named starting point and destination. By contrast, the Riserva naturale del Torrente Orba comprises two separate stretches of river: one upstream of the town of Predosa and another between Borgo Retorto and Casalcermelli. While the riverside route connects two points, the nature reserve comprises two separate areas of the river landscape.

The protected area preserves remaining sections of intact riparian woodland. Foxes, badgers, martens, weasels, hares and roe deer live in these woodlands, along with a wild boar population originating in the Apennines. The information about the wild boars’ origin adds a regional connection to the list of species. Those who see nature not only as a route but also as a habitat will find a different focus here than on the riverside route.

Paths and activities

The paths in the nature reserve can be explored on foot. Excursions on foot or by bike are possible along the banks of the Torrente Orba; canoeing along the watercourse is also possible in the surrounding area. The distinction is useful when choosing an activity: the riverside route is oriented around the connection between the castle masonry and Borgo Retorto, while the nature reserve is associated with walkable paths and the river with canoeing. This makes it possible to distinguish between activities on land and on the water.

Castle history and Retorto

A castle in Predosa is documented in a record dated 16 May 1567. The castle made Predosa a Milanese outpost, facing the Monferrato presence on one side and the Genoese presence on the other. This role is part of the castle’s strategic history and places it in the context of the rivalry between the two regional powers. Retorto is a hamlet of Predosa on the banks of the Torrente Orba. The church of San Bartolomeo was built there in 1827. The castle and the church therefore offer different historical points of reference: a documentary record for the castle and a construction date for the church.

Wine and seasonal cuisine

The Cantina Sociale di Mantovana offers tastings of fine wines made from grapes grown on the hillsides. Mantovana hosts the traditional summer Sagra del bollito misto e bagnet. The wine tasting and the festival offer different culinary highlights. For wine enthusiasts, the tasting showcases grapes grown on the hillsides. If you would like to include the Sagra in your travel plans, check the event date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Spineto Scrivia, Pecetto, Murisengo, Borgoratto Alessandrino, Ponzone, Prasco, Cadepiaggio, Frassineto Po

For the main travel overview: Alessandria.