Sweetly Along the Mountain Via Francigena

This circular hiking route through the municipality of Romagnese offers an opportunity to discover the historical and natural heritage linked to cereal cultivation and trade in these mountains.

The itinerary combines the most scenic sections of the Rivarolo Waterfalls Trail, whose waters once powered several mills, with the Oratories Trail along the Mountain Via Francigena, an ancient route travelled not only by pilgrims but also by merchants travelling to and from the Ligurian Sea.

The experience begins with a visit to Dal Verme Castle, today home to Romagnese Town Hall and the Museum of Rural Art and Agricultural Tools.

At lunchtime, we will stop at Terre Villane Farm, which specialises in reviving traditional mountain crops and producing honey. In a scenic meadow on the farm, we will enjoy our packed lunch, accompanied by a tasting of homemade cakes, sweet popcorn and bargnolino, a traditional liqueur made from wild blackthorn berries.

After lunch, an entirely downhill section of the trail will take us back to the starting point, with beautiful panoramic views along the way. We expect to arrive at around 4:30 pm.

Route details

Distance: 6 km (approximately two-thirds uphill and one-third downhill)
Difficulty: E – Hiking. Participants should be in good health and have a good level of fitness, including for uphill walking.
Elevation gain/loss: 200 m positive elevation gain and 200 m descent
Duration: approximately 6.5 hours, including stops for explanations and lunch

What to wear and bring

Hiking shoes and trekking poles are recommended, together with comfortable sportswear. Please also bring a towel to sit on the hay bales during lunch.

Participation fee

The fee, including the tasting of traditional sweets, is:

Adults: €25
Children up to 12 years: €15

Minors may participate only under the exclusive supervision and responsibility of their accompanying adults.

Participants should bring their own packed lunch. Food shops are available in Romagnese for those who wish to purchase supplies before the hike.

How to participate

Booking is required, and participants must hold an association membership card. The membership card can be obtained free of charge at the meeting point on the day of the hike by completing a registration and liability waiver form at the participant reception point.