Percorso Pellizziano

Volpedo is an ancient village, included in the circuit of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," famous not only for being the birthplace of Giuseppe Pellizza, but also for its prized fruit and vegetables. As part of a project to enhance the places linked to the painter's life and works, "The Pellizza Itineraries" have been created: itineraries that wind through the places where the artist lived and painted his works, numerous reproductions of which have been placed in the places where they were created.

From Piazza della Libertà, where the Town Hall stands, it passes in front of the parish church and arrives at Piazzetta Quarto Stato, where Giuseppe Pellizza painted his most famous work. Note: The "La Montà di Bogino" trail begins here, marked by the CAI 150 sign and featuring reproductions of the painter's major paintings.

Take the small road that passes along the left side of the Palazzo Signorile, arriving in Piazza Perino, where the fruit market is located, and continue along Via Mazzini. Pass the schools and the new building that houses the library and hostel, and you will reach a fork in the road, where you must turn left, towards Pozzol Groppo.

Shortly after, you must turn right onto Via Cassanini and, after the last houses, follow the country road and shortly after leave the dirt road, turning left, reaching the "Montà "di Bogino," a short uphill ramp depicted by Pellizza in one of his paintings, from which this trail takes its name.

Over the short climb, follow the dirt road that bends to the right between vineyards and groves, and stop to admire the beautiful panoramic views of the Tortona hills, with the Staffora Valley just beyond. Pass a short distance from the hamlet of Cà Barbieri, turn right, and follow the road that circles the Cascinetta area.

Shortly after, on the right, you'll find the junction with trail 153. At this point, leave the asphalt and turn right onto a country road that soon enters the woods, narrowing until it becomes a fairly straight path along the slopes of Mount Brienzone, also known as Poggio di Volpedo. After passing a small spring, exit the forest at a very scenic spot and turn right.

A slight descent takes you to the ruins of Cascina Boffalora, where you'll find an imposing downy oak, recently listed among the monumental trees of Piedmont. After a brief stop to admire the green giant, continue through the forest until you reach a small asphalt road, where you turn left.

Follow the asphalt road through the fields and orchards and quickly reach the village of Volpedo, where you rejoin the outward route, completing the loop. Stop by the building where the library and hostel are located. If it's open, you can climb up to the panoramic terrace to enjoy a beautiful view of the town and the surrounding area. Return to Piazza Quarto Stato and retrace your steps. This beautiful route, rich in artistic and scenic highlights, can be concluded with a visit to the nearby, beautiful Romanesque church of San Pietro Apostolo.

- Historic center of Volpedo with remains of the ancient walls

- Romanesque Parish Church of San Pietro

- "Pellizza da Volpedo" Museum

- Birthplace and studio of Giuseppe Pellizza

- Organic market (Saturday morning)

- Centuries-old downy oak (monumental tree) at Cascina Boffalora

- Agriturismo "La Cascina di Aurosa" Strada Rovereto 3 - 15059 Volpedo Tel. 347 6473837

- Pizzeria da Samu Via Pellizza, 13 - 15059 Volpedo Tel. 0131 806258

From Tortona, follow the provincial road SP 100 of Val Curone until you reach Monleale Basso; here, turn left into the village of Volpedo, where you can park in Piazza della Libertà, in front of the Town Hall.