Casà: Nature, Trails and Historical Traces

Waterscapes from Casà

One possible excursion leads from the Borgo di Casà to Lago di Val Noci. The artificial basin lies within the municipality of Montoggio and is entirely encompassed by the Lago Val Noci fishing reserve. This connects the area around Casà with a specific destination for anyone wishing to include landscapes, water and regional highlights in their travel plans. When choosing your accommodation, you can combine this focus with historical and nature-related impressions without limiting your stay to a single theme.

The landscape itself also has clear contours. The forests of Montoggio consist predominantly of mixed deciduous and summer-green forests. Badgers, foxes, stone martens, wild boar and edible dormice find habitats in the forests and meadows. Montoggio is also home to a rare salamander species, the geotriton. For visitors interested in nature, this creates an impression shaped not only by trails and viewpoints, but also by different habitats.

Forests and mountain trails

The Zona Speciale di Conservazione Val Noci - Torrente Geirato - Alpesisa covers 637 hectares and includes Montoggio. This designation refers to a large protected landscape context in which forests, meadows and waterways are considered together. If you would like to combine your trip with nature observation or peaceful sections of hiking, this area provides a factual basis for finding your bearings locally.

The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri runs along the mountain ridge within the municipality of Montoggio. Stages 26 and 27 are located there. The stage numbers make the section easier to incorporate into an individual tour plan, while its position along the mountain ridge defines the character of the route. You can therefore view Montoggio both through Lago Val Noci and through the supraregional route of the Alta Via.

Fortress history and traces in stone

Castello di Montoggio came into the possession of the Fieschi, one of the most influential Genoese families, and served them primarily as a fortress during the 15th and 16th centuries. The history of the site thus reaches back to a period when fortified structures played an important role in the political and territorial standing of influential families. For your visit, this connection offers a way to approach Montoggio that goes beyond simply viewing the landscape.

After the conclusion of the matter concerning Gian Luigi Fieschi, Castello di Montoggio was completely demolished with explosives in 1547. At the same time, the monumental complex of Castello dei Fieschi in Montoggio is considered a sight worth visiting. These two references should remain separate in historical context: the first describes a specific destruction in 1547, while the second refers to a monumental complex regarded as an attraction.

The Anello del Lago Val Noci is a circular trail that passes the remains of monumental lime kilns from the early 20th century. The trail also passes a dam that was built from the 1920s onward to supply water to “Grande Genova.” In this way, the circular trail combines the landscape with traces of early industrial activity and the history of the region’s water supply.

Sacred places and local flavors

The Bioparco is also considered a sight worth visiting in Montoggio. The Santuario di Nostra Signora di Tre Fontane is likewise considered a sight worth visiting.

The Santuario di Santa Maria delle Tre Fontane in Montoggio was established in the second half of the 12th century. Its period of origin places the site within a long religious history. The Canestrello di Montoggio offers another way to engage with local identity: it is a variation of Canestrello originally prepared with chestnut flour and often with homemade honey. Nature, history, religious sites and regional cuisine can thus be brought together as different focal points of your trip.

More places for your travel plans

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Ne, Teriasca, Sori, Cicagna, Arenzano, La Costa, Montoggio and Lavagna.

For the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.