The castle stands on the outskirts of the Capanne of Marcarolo Park, on the slopes of a beautiful pine forest, isolated on a hillock. It is one of the oldest Monferrato buildings; some authors date it back to the 10th century. It enjoys an enviable and rare position among the other castles of this area: it rises, in fact, completely detached from the current municipality of Casaleggio, totally isolated, except for the small church, placed at its feet, dedicated to Saint Leo which almost seems to protect it. Just before the castle, going up an impervious road, you come across the medieval village lying near the walls and so close as to allow the peasants, in times of Saracen excursions and mercenary soldiers, a quick shelter inside them. The castle has belonged to the Guiglia family for at least two centuries now. It is a private residence, access is restricted.
Description: The itinerary includes a walk through the beautiful pine forest of Mornese. A wide and gently undulating path along the crest of the hill gets to a viewpoint overlooking the Castle. On the right, the gaze can wander to the castle -towers of the surrounding villages, on the left, to the shady woods of the Park. Along the way you will listen to the history of the villages and their respective castles. Those of you with the sharpest eyesight will be able to see the Forte di Gavi in the distance with its majestic and reassuring walls. We will climb, with a little effort, the slope to the Big Bench and then we will descend to the extreme point of the wooded hill, and there we will admire the grandeur of the Guiglia Castle.
At this point, those with enough energy in their legs can continue along an impervious path through the woods down the ridge and up to the back of the castle. Otherwise, we ‘ll go back and reach the castle by car.
At the castle we will walk along the entire perimeter up to the entrance door, touching the ramparts that surround it and going up to the courtyard, like ancient travelers asking for shelter for the night, we will be able to draw water from the well and look out over the bastion that overlooks downstream, hoping not to see any band of brigands.
If we are lucky, we will meet the owner who will tell us about the ancient glories and exploits of his family.
The most curious can stroll among the few houses of the village, still partly inhabited.
Those who have made the entire journey on foot will still have an hour's walk to return to the base camp and take the car.
PLEASE NOTE: in the pine forest there are a couple of rest points with water and tables, in case someone wants to stay for a packed lunch or simply to enjoy the scenery (and who knows, maybe hearing in the distance the howl of some family of wolves, now stable presences of our hills).
Duration: about 3 hours, 4 for walkers.
Dogs: admitted on request and always on a leash
Contribution to the association: to be defined
Clothing: Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, water bottle, clothing appropriate to the season
In case of bad weather the activity is cancelled
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