Campomorone: Palazzo Balbi, Laghi del Gorzente and hiking trails

Nature and hiking trails

Campomorone combines Ligurian nature, history and regional cuisine. This gives you a journey between the Laghi del Gorzente, the Passo della Bocchetta, historic buildings, museums and Corzetti di Campomorone.

The northwestern part of the municipality overlooks the Laghi del Gorzente and belongs to the Po basin. The Sentiero Naturalistico dei Laghi del Gorzente is an approximately five-hour hiking trail featuring typical tree species of the Ligurian forests, various conifer species and diverse wildlife. From the Passo della Bocchetta, the view extends across the Valpolcevera to the sea; this is where the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri and numerous hiking trails branch off.

The F.I.E. Itinerary No. 18 leads from Isoverde via the Laghi del Gorzente to Monte Tobbio and takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to walk. The Big Bench is located about 40 metres from the Passo della Bocchetta on the provincial road from Campomorone towards Voltaggio and Gavi. The different walking times make it easier for you to plan a hiking day at your own pace.

Historic buildings and their history

La Saliera is a salt depot built by the D'Amico family in the 17th century at the entrance to Campomorone along the route to the Passo della Bocchetta. The two-storey square building has an inner courtyard and also served as a customs warehouse for all kinds of goods subject to duties. Only part of the historic aqueduct remains on the right bank of the Rio Gioventina; its end section is located not far from Il Cabannun.

Il Cabannun, also known as “la Fabbrica di Peschiere”, was built from 1777 onwards in the gardens next to Palazzo Balbi. The two fishponds were used to breed trout, carp and barbel.

Museums in Palazzo Balbi

Palazzo Balbi is a former suburban villa dating from the late 16th century. It houses the Museo delle Marionette and, on the top floor, the Museo civico di Paleontologia e Mineralogia. The Museo delle Marionette displays Angelo Cenderelli’s collection.

The Museo civico di Paleontologia e Mineralogia displays around 2,000 fossils, most of which come from the Ligurian-Piedmont basin. It also has a section on the origins and development of humans, with a particular focus on Liguria. Visits are possible by prior appointment on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 to 12:00 and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14:30 to 17:30; reservations are recommended for school classes or groups. Visits to the Museo delle Marionette are possible by prior reservation.

Corzetti and getting there

Corzetti di Campomorone is recognised as a typical product of the area and bears DE.CO. certification (Denominazione Comunale). To get there, an AMT bus route runs from Pontedecimo railway station via Campomorone and Isoverde to Cravasco. The combination of a regional speciality, museum visits, a bus connection and hiking trails helps you assess the location of accommodation according to your interests.

Discover more places

Fascia, La Costa, Casarza Ligure, Bargone, Rapallo, Nascio, Gaiazza, Ruta

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.