Serra Riccò between hiking trails, valleys and culture

Serra Riccò combines wooded hills, open meadows and cultural sites. In the Serra district, pastures, meadows and forests shape the landscape. From the hills above the church, you can see across the entire Valle Polcevera to the sea; from San Cipriano, you can look out over the Val Secca and the valley of Pontedecimo. Here, different landscapes come together with a varied selection of trails, festivals and historic sites.

Landscape with cultural sites

Castello Parodi is a neo-Gothic building standing on the ruins of an ancient Castellaro. For those interested in culture, the focus here is on the combination of the neo-Gothic building and the ancient Castellaro. The parish church in Pedemonte houses paintings by Giovanni Carlone, Domenico Fiasella and Gian Battista Merano. The Santuario di San Rocco also has a distinctive setting: it stands at the confluence of the Rio Pernecco and the Torrente Secca. These places give your itinerary different cultural and landscape highlights.

Parco Storico Villa Serra

At Parco Storico Villa Serra, visitors can enjoy a lake, water features, extensive English-style lawns and a hydrangea collection. The park is publicly owned by the municipalities of Genova, Sant’Olcese and Serra Riccò. Serra Riccò holds 105 thousandths, Sant’Olcese 186 thousandths and Genova 709 thousandths.

Hiking along historic trails

A network of trails runs along the ridge separating the side facing the sea from the Apennine side, connected to the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. Valleregia lies along the historic Via del Sale. The municipal hiking trails from Fontanini also connect with the Via del Sale. The trail names and connections make different forms of navigation possible, from a nearby walk to exploring historic long-distance routes.

From Orero, you can reach Fontanini on foot; from there, views open up over the Secca valley and the valley of Casella. The Sentiero Botanico di Ciaè is a self-guided educational trail along which 47 plant and tree species can be identified; it leads to the hamlet of Ciaè. Those interested in nature can experience the landscape and plant life there in different ways.

Festivals and local specialties

Since 1982, the Ciaè complex has held the Festa Ruspante every year on 1 May. The Festa di San Claro is celebrated on 4 May; since 2004, a hike entitled “Pei Strazzetti de Vojé…” has been organised as part of the celebrations. Traditional festivals in Serra feature traditional fritters, while roasted chestnuts are prepared at an autumn festival. Regional customs, hikes and simple local foods are therefore among the different facets you can consider when exploring Serra Riccò.

Further places for planning your trip

Sant'Olcese, Bargone, Ronco Scrivia, Casanova, Rapallo, San Lorenzo della Costa, Casarza Ligure and Sanguineto

To the overview of the wider area: Genoa.