Casanova: Churches, Trails and Local History

Casanova combines sacred architectural history, landscape observation and a connection to a local event. Santa Margherita spans the period from the 1212 testament to the works carried out in 1980. For those interested in culture, the churches and the oratory form the sacred focal point; along the trail, the focus is on observing ancient snow houses.

Santa Margherita: Testament, Alterations and Furnishings

A testament dated 26 January 1212 contains a bequest from Simone Doria to the church of Santa Margherita in Casanova. In 1600, Santa Margherita was extended with a presbytery and choir while retaining a single nave. Its furnishings include five altars, three of which are made of marble. The present high altar was newly created in 1714. On 22 June 1980, Santa Margherita was reopened for worship after consolidation work and work on the interior. The extension with a presbytery and choir and the work on the interior concern the church space in two different years.

Other Sacred Sites in Casanova

In the Località Casanova, the parish church of San Lorenzo is included on the list of protected immovable cultural heritage. The 15th-century oratory in Casanova houses the oldest organ in the valley. San Lorenzo and the oratory complement the sacred sites alongside Santa Margherita with another church and a separate building.

The Trail along the Diamante Main Ridge

A trail along the Diamante main ridge leads between Casanova and Trensasco via the Spianata of the “Campanin di Croi”. Ancient snow houses can be observed along the trail. The Spianata and the snow houses belong to the same trail route; the main ridge forms the landscape setting between the two places. The section thus connects a square, historic buildings and the two local references, Casanova and Trensasco. The trail is therefore defined both by its location on the Diamante and by the observation points along its route.

MangiaForte 2017 and the Finish

MangiaForte 2017 comprised a seven-kilometre route in five stages and ended at Casanova’s sports field. At the finish, grilled asado, polenta and a dessert were offered. At this event, the sports field was both the finishing point and the location of the food service. The stage route and the finish were part of the event framework of MangiaForte 2017.

The Air-Raid Shelter Below the Church

An old air-raid shelter is located in Casanova below the church, slightly below the trail to the Località Mulini. Its interior is no longer accessible because of the danger it poses. Its location below the church and along the trail to the Località Mulini defines its external local connection; the interior is not accessible.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to compare other places for your travel planning, find them here: Sestri Ponente, Torrazza, Montoggio, Teriasca, Rossiglione, Moconesi, Neirone, Comeglio.

To the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.