The Walks of the High Shady Hills and Clear Hills – Leg 12

The municipality of Calliano Monferrato separates Valle Versa from Valle Grana; on its territory are present remarkable architectural monuments such as the romanic church of San Pietro dating back to 11th century and the parish church complex that hosts many paintings.

The point of departure of this stop is located outside the inhabited area of the village, next to the cemetery. Go to Valle della Pirenta along the hillside that leads to Cascine Pietra. Go past SP 457, then take the road that passes behind the company “Fassa Bortolo”. Now you are very close to “La Pirenta”, a sulphur spring known for its depurative and curative properties.

Behind the company, the route continues along fields and farmlands for about 3 km and passes through the hamlet of Perrona, until it intersects with Via Montiglio. Take it and then take the small street that leads to Valle di Castell’Alfero. On the way you will see Gioia Lake where it is possible to do sport fishing. Go past the lake, keep going for about 400 metres until you reach a small bridge where Valle river flows underneath. Go down Via Valle for about 300 metres until it intersects with Via Casale. Turn right, go straight, and turn left after 100 metres.

You are in one of the industrial areas of Borgo Stazione of Castell’Alfero. Keep the right and go past the industries. Go down the dirt road that passes through the fields, until you come to the intersection with Via Asti (SP 57 A). Turn right, and shortly after turn left into a road that leads to località Contessi.