Dal Tanaro alle colline

A beautiful route offering magnificent views of the Tanaro River and the hills surrounding the village of Masio.

From the Town Hall square, turn left onto Via Rattazzi, following the CAI 870 trail sign. After a few meters, take the Salita alla Torre on the right and reach the foot of the ancient building, dating back to 1230 and a distinctive feature of the village.

The tower houses an interesting museum that illustrates its history and provides a wealth of information about the towers in the area. From its summit, you can admire the Enjoy a splendid view of the Tanaro River and the surrounding area.

After admiring the imposing structure, descend the steep steps that lead back to Via Rattazzi, turn right, and shortly after, left onto Via Borgo San Dalmazzo to reach the Lungo Tanaro, where you turn left. After an initial stretch on asphalt, continue on a dirt road, following the river, and appreciate the peaceful natural environment where numerous bird species can be spotted.

The stretch along the river is also interesting from a historical perspective, as the Via Fulvia passed through it in Roman times.

Near a small ditch, turn left, walk along the sides of the cultivated fields to return to the asphalt road near the Orto farmhouse, where you turn right; Once you reach the Piè farmhouse, leave the three roads that converge there and take the small path that climbs steeply up the hill.

Continue along the path through the woods, which occasionally opens up to panoramic views of the Tanaro Valley. When you reach a small rest area, turn left and cross a vineyard.

Ignore a turnoff to the left that heads back toward Masio (Sentiero della Poiana) and continue straight until you reach the asphalt road, where you turn right. Continue on the asphalt until you reach the hamlet of Mogliotti, located on the border between the provinces of Alessandria and Asti.

Shortly before the winery, take the dirt road that branches off to the left and walk through vineyards and small woods. Pass the plaque commemorating the sacrifice of a partisan killed by the Germans in 1944, and you'll come into view of Villa Marina, the Rattazzi family's country home.

The building, now abandoned, enjoyed a prosperous period and hosted Prime Minister Urbano Rattazzi for years, and, it seems, even a meeting between Rattazzi and Camillo Cavour.

Turn right, pass by a votive chapel dedicated to San Lorenzo, and enter the woods, following a stream. Go past the Turca farmhouse and climb back onto the asphalt near the Riondone farmhouse, where you turn right.

After a few steps, take the dirt road on the left, cross a hollow, and climb up into the village until you reach Via Rattazzi, where you turn right to return to the town hall square.

• 13th-century medieval tower
• "The Tower and the River" Museum (www.latorreeilfiume.it)
• Church of Santa Maria and San Dalmazzo
• Redabue Castle

- Trattoria Losanna, Strada San Rocco, 40 - 15024 Masio – Tel. 0131 799525

- La Nuova Casa del Popolo, Strada Monvicino, 15, Località Abazia - 15024 Masio

Tel. 340 8847927

- Bar Tabarin, Via Urbano Rattizzi, 115 – 15024 Masio

- SOMS Abazia, Via Oreste Piacenza, 19 – 15024 Masio

Masio can be reached from both Felizzano and Oviglio, via the SP 245, and from Quattordio, via the SP 247.