Borzonasca between Culture and Mountain Landscapes

Historic Centre and Ligurian Character

Borzonasca reveals its distinctive character already in the historic centre. The façades painted in the Genoese style preserve a distinctly Ligurian character there. If, during your trip to Italy, you would like to experience not only landscapes but also regional architectural culture, this town centre offers a tangible introduction to the history and appearance of Liguria.

Religious Architecture and Ancient Rock Sculpture

The Abbazia di Sant'Andrea di Borzone is an ancient religious building dating from the 12th century. It was built in the Gothic-Romanesque style. In 1910, the abbey was declared an Italian national monument. This building combines its historical classification with a clear architectural style.

Another testimony to the past is the Volto Megalitico di Zolezzi. The ancient rock sculpture is located near the village of Zolezzi in the hamlet of Rocche di Borzone. It is approximately 7 metres high and approximately 4 metres wide.

Lake and Mountain Landscapes

Lago di Giacopiane lies at an altitude of approximately 1,000 metres in the Parco Naturale Regionale dell'Aveto and blends into a mountain landscape. Alongside the historic centre, this places a distinctly different landscape experience at the heart of the destination: altitude, natural surroundings and the open environment around the lake shape this part of the destination. If you would like to divide your trip between culture and nature, Borzonasca can be viewed through these two themes.

Permits from the Municipality of Borzonasca are required to visit Lago di Giacopiane. Hiking, mountain biking and, in winter, snowshoeing are possible at the lake. Winter is therefore a separate planning factor for snowshoeing at Lago di Giacopiane. The permit is part of the practical planning involved in an excursion to the lake.

Geological Features Along Hiking Trails

Near Pratomollo lies the Pietra Borghese, a large peridotite block with magnetic properties. It is also a station on the educational hiking trail Sentiero Ofiolitico, which is recognised regionally as the Itinerario Geologico Ligure. The geological connection makes this place particularly interesting if, while hiking, you would like to experience not only the landscape but also its rocks and geological features.

You can experience another type of landscape on the Anello del Monte Aiona circular trail. The trail is characterised by beech forests, wetlands and glacial formations—in other words, landforms connected with the Ice Age. Together with Lago di Giacopiane and the Pietra Borghese, this creates a natural profile that takes various interests into account: lakes and mountain landscapes, geological topics, as well as forests and wetlands. These focal points can provide personal guidance when choosing your hotel, depending on whether you wish to place the town's cultural character or the described natural experiences in the foreground.

Further destinations for your travel planning include Tiglieto, Testana, Sestri Levante, Roverazza, Velva, Vescina, Cicagna and Montebruno.

To the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.