Via dell’Acqua – Leg 1

Starting from the hamlet of San Carlo di Tigliole, the crossing point between the Via dell'Acqua and the Via dei Santi, we proceed westwards along the ridge. In this way we cross a series of groups of isolated houses interspersed with large spaces occupied by woods.

The route also offers numerous panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The route then brushes the village of Valperosa and continues as far as Bricco Gallo. We then continue along the various ridges of the hills, alternating with some ascents and descents in the most panoramic part of the route. We will cross wide and completely natural areas, with no houses and characterised by dense vegetation. We arrive then at the crossroad to Cantarana, Variant 1A.

We continue along the main stage past the area of the headwater fields. This area, in fact, is historically characterised by the strong presence of water, becoming one of the main suppliers of drinking water in the province of Asti. We then continue towards the hamlets of Novarino and Serra di Balla, where there are several rather important votive shrines for local worship. We then descend towards the valley, cross the SP19, and enter a large area used for cultivation, cross the Rio Stanavasso and walk along the road that leads to the ridge, finally arriving at the village of Valfenera, the arrival point of Leg 1.

Valfenera is located on the border with the provinces of Cuneo and Turin. Archaeological finds testify that this territory was already settled in Roman times. Originally the village was situated around the church of San Pietro and only later did it move to its present location for defensive reasons. The ownership of Valfenera followed the destiny of many villages in the province of Asti, passing from family to family, until returning among the possessions of the Savoys.