Nasino-Borgo: Monte Galero, Churches and Caves

Nasino-Borgo between Val Pennavaira and Monte Galero

Nasino is located in the upper Val Pennavaira. The municipality’s alpine landscape consists of dolomitic rocks with marine fossils and high-altitude pastures. The SP 14 del Pennavaire runs through the municipality. Monte Galero is 1,708 metres high, and Nasino is a starting point for excursions to this mountain. An excursion to Monte Galero can therefore begin in Nasino.

Protected areas and alpine species

The natural area includes two designated protected areas. The Area protetta Provinciale Monte Galero includes the municipality of Nasino, as does the Area protetta Provinciale Castellermo - Rocca Livernà. Numerous rare or protected species occur in the Area protetta Provinciale Monte Galero. It is also home to the southernmost and westernmost peripheral occurrence of Tetrao tetrix in the Alps. The protected areas therefore range thematically from the mountain landscapes of Monte Galero to the distinctive animal populations of this Alpine region.

From Vignoletto to the Cappella di San Sebastiano

From the hamlet of Vignoletto, the Cappella di San Sebastiano can be reached in a few minutes via a mule track. The municipal area of Nasino is also a destination for mushroom gatherers. The mule track leads from the hamlet of Vignoletto to a specific religious building, while for mushroom gatherers the municipal area of Nasino is the destination. This allows a short walk to a chapel to be combined with the separate interest of mushroom hunting.

Archaeology from the Epigravettian to the Roman period

The Arma di Nasino contains fourteen consecutive archaeological layers. Two prehistoric burials were found in the Arma di Nasino; it also yielded archaeological finds from approximately 9,000 years ago. The caves in the Nasino valley were used by permanently or seasonally resident communities from the Late Epigravettian to the Roman period. Cave use thus represents a long sequence of human presence in the valley, from the Late Epigravettian to the Roman era.

Churches, chapels and a fresco

The present building of the Santuario della Natività di Maria Santissima dates from the 18th century. Its floor plan is octagonal; a presbytery adjoins it, and a dome covers the building. The Cappella dell’Annunziata dates from the 15th century. The origins of the Chiesa parrochiale di San Giovanni Battista are documented from the 13th century onwards. It is the mother church of the valley.

The Ruderi della Cappella di San Pietro are a rural church in Località Giraia. In the ruins of the cell of the Cappella della Madonna della Neve there is a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child with two saints. An inscription at its base dates it to 29 July 1617. Alongside the larger religious buildings, rural church ruins and a precisely dated fresco are therefore also among the religious sites in Nasino.

More places for planning your trip

Ortovero, Carbuta, Vezzi San Giorgio, Piana Crixia, Celle Ligure, Varazze, Cisano Sul Neva and Spinetta

For the higher-level travel overview: Savona.