Vobbia: Castles, Canyon and Trails

Vobbia between Castle and Canyon

Vobbia draws attention to two different sides: the walls and interiors of Castello della Pietra, as well as the canyon and marked trails of the Sentiero dei Castellani. There are also individual historic sites in the surrounding area. If you would like to explore culture and landscape, you can consider these highlights separately and plan your days accordingly.

Castello della Pietra and Historic Sites

The walls of Castello della Pietra stand between two large puddingstone towers. The restored interiors contain cisterns, dungeons, fireplaces, staircases, guard posts, battlements and a central hall. The different architectural elements make the site particularly interesting for anyone interested in fortification architecture and historic interiors.

A path branches off from the SP8 and reaches Castello della Pietra in about 20 minutes. The Cappella di San Fermo on Monte di San Fermo probably dates from the 17th century. Castello di Borgo Fornari, a castle, is located in the surroundings of Vobbia. In the wider regional area around Vobbia there are also Castello di Torre Ratti, likewise a castle, and Associazione Italiana Della Croce Rossa, a museum.

Restored Oratory and Sacred Art

Since 1997, an oratory has been restored and integrated into the Historical Museum of the Upper Scrivia Valley. A wooden statue of the Madonna is attributed to the Genoese sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano. Both references complement the castles and chapels with restored interiors and sacred art.

Hiking through the Vobbia Canyon

The Sentiero dei Castellani runs through the canyon carved out by the Vobbia stream. The trail lies within the SIC “Conglomerato di Vobbia”, a protected area safeguarded because of its special habitats and species. This part of Vobbia is therefore aimed at travellers who, while on the move, want to take in not only the trail but also geological formations and protected habitats.

Up to Passo Sesenelle, the trail is marked with the “tre pallini gialli” trail sign and the white-and-red markings of CAI trail 200. Castello della Pietra and the Sentiero dei Castellani offer different experiences: here, walls, towers and restored rooms are the focus; there, the canyon landscape, protected area and course of the trail take centre stage.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Interests

When choosing a hotel in Vobbia, your personal focus can provide structure for your planning. For days centred on culture, Castello della Pietra, the Cappella di San Fermo, the castles in the surrounding area and the museum offer various historical points of interest. If, on the other hand, you make the Sentiero dei Castellani the focus, the canyon carved out by the Vobbia stream, the SIC “Conglomerato di Vobbia” and the markings up to Passo Sesenelle will shape your travel plans.

More Destinations

Montoggio, Serra Riccò, Rapallo, Sori, Campomorone, Statale, Recco, Zoagli

To the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.