Cycling enthusiasts can put their skill to the test along the numberless roads, trails and loop itineraries (of any level of difficulty) that zigzag throughout the valley (must-tries include the Busalla-Crocefieschi-Vobbia and the Casella-Vobbia-Isola del Cantone). Are you cut for horse riding? Live your passion along the route (ippovia) linking France, Liguria and Tuscany, horse clubs, equestrian centres and agriturismi will present you with plenty of precious advice.
Cultural tourism aficionados are definitely in the right place, as demonstrated by the following travel check list.
Montoggio: the parish church (devoted to san Giovanni Decollato) and its surprising picture gallery (Van Dyck, De Ferrari, Guidobono, Carlone and Fiasella), the Santuario di Tre Fontane and its ex-voto collection, the Val Noci basin and the excursion (1,000 mts. a.s.l.) to Monte Bano and Monte Candelozzo
Valbrevenna: the Santuario di Nostra Signora dell’Acqua and the most interesting section of the Museo Storico dell’Alta Valle Scrivia in Senarega, a celebration of the rural heritage of the valley - traditions, customs and tools thematically displayed (handicraft, agriculture, sheep-farming and cattle-breeding)
Busalla: 17th century Villa Borzino (park, nymphaeum and fireplace are joys for the eye) and Via Vittorio Veneto, the treat for the shop-till-you-drop kind
Savignone: 16th century Palazzo Fieschi (an imposing – yet graceful – building hosting a charming four-star hotel) and the Museo degli Alpini, telling the tale of Italy’s most loved military corps through a multitude of pictures, documents, uniforms, badges, cards and equipments
Torriglia: the borgo-presepe of Pentema, a quiet maze of miniature houses where time has stopped its course
Isola del Cantone: the jazz festival, the castle of Montessoro, the ancient gourmet treats of Timorasso wine (a fragrant white) and Montébore cheese
Vobbia: the astounding Castello della Pietra, a pudding stone spur presiding the valley since the 11th century. Recently restored, the castle stands in a cinemascope setting reached by a scenic trail (one-hour walk) flanking the Vobbia stream.
Events, festivals, processions, expositions and contests enliven the valley all year round, celebrating its identity, biodiversities, traditions, history and crafts – a mosaic of resources for the entroterra. The festa dell’Antola (first Sunday in July), Mundantigu in Valbrevenna (last Sunday in August), the celebrations for the Trenino di Casella and other initiatives fill the agenda of the enquiring visitor, eager to experience the true charm of culture and nature and the joy of a warm welcome.
The Valle Scrivia and the Parco dell’Antola are waiting for you!