Pontinvrea between Piazza and Forest

Pontinvrea between Piazza and Forest

Pontinvrea brings together a compact historic town centre and a varied landscape. At its heart are Palazzo Marchionale, Piazza dell’Indipendenza and the parish church of San Lorenzo; beyond the centre, Mediterranean habitats, chestnut and beech forests, and water-rich natural areas shape the scenery. If you would like to combine architecture, local history and routes through different landscapes, you will find several concrete starting points here for planning your trip.

Historic Centre and Notable Buildings

The historic centre of Pontinvrea is centred around Palazzo Marchionale. The building was constructed in 1606 by the Genoese doge Francesco Invrea and has a broad portico facing the piazza. The palazzo also forms one side of the protected ensemble of Piazza dell’Indipendenza. The relationship between the building and the square gives the town centre a clearly recognisable architectural focal point.

The parish church of San Lorenzo is part of the town’s sacred architecture. It forms part of Pontinvrea’s marchional complex and is protected as an architectural monument. The Church of Madonna del Carmine was built in 1683. Together with the palazzo and the piazza, these sites create several historical focal points within the town.

Historical Traces up to the Early Modern Period

The history dates back to 1191: at the site known as Lapis Malloni (Pietra di Mallone), near the present-day settlement of Carmine, a castle was built and given the name Castrum Delphini. In the early modern period, the Invrea family built three ironworks. These used the energy of the Erro River and charcoal produced from wood. The historical references therefore extend from the town centre and the site near Carmine to the economic traces of this period.

Forests, Watercourses and Small Wetlands

The area around Pontinvrea includes Mediterranean habitats, extensive chestnut forests and large beech forests. In the Giovo Ligure protected area, the landscape is rich in watercourses. Certain types of ground allow small wetlands to form there. For nature enthusiasts, the particular value of these features lies in the combination of different habitats: forests, streams and wetland areas exist alongside the Mediterranean elements of the region.

Routes for Hiking, Mountain Biking and Horse Riding

Pontinvrea also offers concrete options for active days. The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri crosses Pontinvrea. In addition, numerous paths run through forests, along clear streams and to green meadows. Most of the routes around Pontinvrea can also be ridden by mountain bike or used on horseback. If you would like to include hiking, cycling and horse riding as different interests in your trip, these activities can be enjoyed within the same landscape.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Interests

When choosing a hotel in Pontinvrea, you can weigh up different priorities: Palazzo Marchionale and the churches in the historic centre, routes through forests and along streams, or the water-rich habitats of the Giovo Ligure protected area. The location that makes the most sense for you therefore depends on how you plan to spend your days and on the focus of your trip. The municipal swimming pool can be contacted on 333/9724946.

Further destinations for planning your trip: Sassello, Ortovero, Castelbianco, Borghi, Vezzi Portio, Testico, Noli, Menosio

For the broader travel overview: Savona.