The Romanesque Parish Churches

The itinerary runs through the gentle hills of the Basso Monferrato with stops in some of the many Romanesque churches of the area, memory of ancient settlements with traces of the medieval routes. 

The trail starts from Portacomaro, a pretty village where you can easily park your car in the main square.  Take a look at the “Ricetto” the highest part and pride of the village, then continue along Via Degiani, where the old cemetery was located. On top of a lovely stone staircase, you can admire the beautiful two-tone façade of the church of San Pietro.

Go down the valley across the mainroad  SS 457, then proceed in the direction of Castell’Alfero, you will get to Madonna della Neve church with its interesting carved monophores and the unique cylindrical bell tower. From here you will have a breathtaking view! Enjoy the beauty and then you can start again on the route to Calliano Monferrato, crossing the Valle Versa, and riding along the provincial road for Grana Monferrato you will reach the small church of San Pietro.

Cycling mostly on quiet asphalted roads you will get to Grana Monferrato and then, passing behind the imposing castle of Montemagno, which deserves a stop if only for the wonderful panorama, you will get first to the church of Santa Maria della Cava (with frescoes of the fifteenth century) and the picturesque Romanesque ruins of SS. Vittore and Corona church, near the cemetery.

Continue along the dirt road, don’t miss a stop by the villages Castagnole Monferrato and Scurzolengo and you will get back to the starting point of Portacomaro.