ATS ViviMonferrato ETS
Località Piano 32/B, 15070 Lerma, AL
CF:90028290063 - RUNTS: Rep. n° 3040
cell: 351-7660812
IBAN: IT42 M035 7601 6010 1000 3949146
Casaleggio Boiro - The Guiglia Castle and its village
Starting from the pine forest of Mornese, with a beautiful walk we will reach a viewpoint over the Boiro valley and the Castle
The castle stands at the edge of the Parco delle Capanne di Marcarolo, at the foot of a beautiful pine forest, isolated on a hill. It is one of the oldest Monferrato buildings; some authors date it back to the 10th century. It enjoys an enviable position, as well as a rare one among the castles in the area: in fact, it stands completely detached from the current town of Casaleggio, totally isolated, except for the small church dedicated to San Leone which seems almost to want to protect it, placed at its feet. Just before the castle, climbing along a steep road, you come across the medieval village nestled near the walls and so close that, in times of Saracen raids and mercenary soldiers, the villagers could quickly take refuge inside. These features led to some scenes of a famous television version of "The Betrothed" directed by Sandro Bolchi being filmed here. Hence the name "the Castle of the Unnamed".
In reality, for at least two centuries now, the castle has belonged to the family of the Counts Guiglia. It is a private residence, access is restricted.
What we will do: The itinerary includes a walk through the beautiful pine forest of Mornese. A wide and gently undulating path winds between the two ridges of the hill overlooking the Castle. To the right, the view can range over the bell towers and castle towers of the surrounding villages as far as the plain, to the left it can get lost among the shady folds of the woods of the Parco delle Capanne di Marcarolo. Along the path you will hear the history of the villages and their respective castles. The sharpest-eyed may spot the Fort of Gavi in the distance, with its majestic and reassuring presence. We will climb, with a little effort, the slope that leads up to the Big Bench and then descend to the farthest point of the wooded hill, a sort of terrace overlooking the Boiro valley, and there we will admire the grandeur of the Guiglia Castle.
At this point, those who still have enough energy in their legs can continue along a steep path through the woods down the ridge and reach the back of the castle. We will then walk around its entire perimeter up to the entrance gate, skimming the bastions that embrace it and climbing up to the courtyard, like ancient travelers seeking shelter for the night, we can draw water from the well and look out over the crenellated bastion facing the valley, hoping not to see any band of brigands.
If we are lucky, we will meet the castellan who will tell us about the ancient glories and deeds of his house.
Those who, for reasons of time or energy, wish to return to the car can rejoin the group in about 45 minutes and complete the visit all together. The more curious can stroll among the few houses of the village, still partly inhabited. Meanwhile, those who have done the entire route on foot will have about an hour's walk to return to base camp and get the car.
But, I assure you, the path that runs halfway up the thick pine forest allows you to take a plunge into the past. Imagine yourself as pilgrims on the way to Santiago or muleteers with loads of salt and woad or firewood, heading to Genoa via the Bocchetta pass.
PLEASE NOTE: in the pine forest there are a couple of rest stops with water and tables in case anyone wants to stay for a packed lunch or simply enjoy the view. And who knows, maybe hear in the distance the howl of some wolf family, now a stable presence in our hills.
Duration: about 3 hours, 4 for walkers.
Dogs: allowed and on a leash even in the pine forest
Contribution for the association: to be defined
Clothing: Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, clothing suitable for the season
In case of bad weather the activity will be cancelled
For information call 351-7660812
or write to
contatti@vivimonferrato.it
ATS ViviMonferrato ETS
Località Piano 32/B, 15070 Lerma, AL
Tax code: 90028290063 - RUNTS: Rep. no. 3040
cell: 351-7660812
IBAN: IT42 M035 7601 6010 1000 3949146