Pignone among Caruggi, Karst Landscapes and Hiking Trails

Pignone can be discovered through three closely interconnected themes: local history, karst landscapes and paths through the surrounding area. In the historic centre, a network of Caruggi shapes the townscape. These narrow alleys are lined with important monuments, aristocratic palaces and characteristic houses in bright colours. The result is a townscape where a walk through the village is directly connected with historical details.

Culture and local history in Pignone

The walk through the village of Pignone includes ten stops and leads from the tourist office to the Pieve. The Pieve Santa Maria di Pignone is also known as Santa Maria Assunta and is mentioned in a papal document from 1149. Those interested in the development of the town will also come across the Ponte Vecchio. It was once the only access to the village of Pignone. The flood of 25 October 2011 destroyed the bridge; it was rebuilt in the following years.

Hiking trails between Pignone and the Cinque Terre

Sentiero 556 connects Pignone, at an altitude of 180 metres, with Vernazza and meets the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre at Prato di Corno, at an altitude of 730 metres. The trail is part of the hiking network of the Province of La Spezia. The ascent from the entrance to the Grotta Grande also follows Sentiero 556. In addition, the Pignone area has a network of routes for hiking, cycling and horse riding.

A separate route to the sinkholes of Pignone begins next to the municipal offices on Via Groppa. It follows an old mule track to the chapel of Sant’Antonin. This route includes the large Buà sinkhole, a significant karst shaft and several caves. The landscape therefore appeals not only to people looking for a marked hiking route, but also to visitors who wish to combine geological formations with historic paths.

Karst landscapes and natural heritage

In Pignone’s karst area, snowdrops, crocuses, primroses, violets, anemones, orchids, cyclamens and hellebores bloom seasonally. Pignone’s natural heritage lies partly within Parco Montemarcello Magra Vara. It also includes the S.I.C. Zona Carsica di Pignone, the habitat of the rare Geotritone Ambrosi.

The cave system along the road from Pignone to Casale is home to a bat colony and several specimens of Geotritone Ambrosi. The Grotta Grande extends for approximately 346 metres, has an elevation difference of 28 metres and has been known since the 18th century. Its dimensions and long-known history add a particularly vivid geological aspect to Pignone’s landscape character.

Regional products from the Val di Vara

Typical products of the Val di Vara include potatoes, beans of the lumè and cenerino varieties, red onions and mais dell’asciutto. Gli Orti di Pignone offers seasonal vegetables, products from the Val di Vara or the coast, honey, cheese, oil, wine, maize flour, chestnut flour and traditional dishes. When planning your trip, Pignone can therefore also be explored through regional produce and traditional cuisine.

Which accommodation suits your plans?

When choosing accommodation in Pignone, setting a clear priority can help you plan your days: should the Caruggi, the village walk and the Pieve be the focus, or are you more interested in the karst area, the Grotta Grande and the paths through the surrounding area? A hotel or other accommodation can thus be considered according to the personal focus of your trip, without separating the town’s cultural and natural sides from each other.

More destinations for planning your trip

You can also include Vernazza, Tirolo, Ceparana, Sorbolo, Vezzano Ligure, La Foce, Lerici and Casale in your further search.

For the overarching travel overview: La Spezia.