Anello di Montecastello

This route, located a few kilometers from Alessandria, is marked by trail signs with the initials AMC.It offers beautiful panoramic views of the lower Tanaro Valley and the Po Valley, which, on clear days, reach as far as the Alps.

From Ritrovo nel Bosco, located a short distance from the Tanaro River, climb up to the village of Montecastello, following the various steps that climb from the provincial road to the top of the town. After passing the town hall and a short distance from the parish church (near which there is a panoramic viewpoint over the plain), you reach the edge of the town.

After enjoying the beautiful view of the Tanaro River below, take the path that runs halfway up the slope of the imposing castle overlooking the town. Once you reach the asphalt road, turn left, as you do at the next fork, and after a few meters, take the country road on the right that climbs the gentle slope. At the next intersection, characterized by a large oak tree and some repeaters, turn right and quickly reach the highest point. The highest point of the route, Bric Montalbano, offers extraordinary views of the Po Valley and the Alpine arc on clear days.

After admiring the landscape, take the small road on the left that leads to the Vigessi farmhouse, then continue along the beautiful ridge path that winds through open spaces and woods. Once you reach a gravel road, turn right, descending to the small hamlet of San Zeno, where the church of the same name is located.

After passing the village, continue straight, cross the SP80 provincial road and take the small dirt road that descends to the valley floor. After passing a farm, turn right, cross the SP80 again and take the path that climbs into the woods. This section of the route is Called "The Ascent of Indian Thoughts": stop to read the signs featuring quotes from great Native American Chiefs, words full of respect and veneration for nature, concepts we should follow today more than ever.

Climb the short climb that leads near the cemetery, where you take the municipal road that descends to the large fork you saw on the outward journey. Turn left and reach the provincial road below, where you must turn right.

Follow the provincial road until you find Via Isorella on the left, which takes you back to Ritrovo nel Bosco, where the circular route began.

• Parish Church of Santa Maria di Ponzano
• Medieval Castle
• Panoramic views of the surrounding area

• "Semplicità" Bar & Restaurant Via del Porto, 5 - 15040 Pietra Marazzi Tel. 0131 355114
• "La Locanda del Re" Restaurant Via della Vittoria, 1 - 15042 Bassignana Tel. 0131 925015
• "La Locanda dei Paoli" Restaurant Piazza Italia, 13 - 15040 Pecetto di Valenza Tel. 391 1710699
• Trattoria "La Pergola" Strada per Valenza, 12 – 15040 Pecetto di ValenzaTel. 0131 940456

From the northern outskirts of Alessandria, follow the provincial roads SP79 and SP80 until you reach Montecastello, where you take the small road on the right (Via Isorella) that leads to the "Il ritrovo nel bosco" accommodation facility.