Testico between landscape, village culture and sacred heritage

Testico combines the landscape of the provincial protected area Testata Alte Valli Merula e Lerrone with a distinctive cultural profile. In Testico, the parish church Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th century. In addition, Testico was selected in 2017 as the location for the Museo rurale degli antichi mestieri.

Landscape between grasslands and woodland

Testico is part of the Testata Alte Valli Merula e Lerrone protected area. Orchids, Paleo-Mediterranean species, numerous endemic species, and species protected under international directives or conventions can be found there. The protected area also includes habitats and species of priority interest. This makes it a destination where the landscape can be experienced not only through expansive views, but also through its distinctive flora and wildlife.

The slopes also display different characteristics: the southern slopes feature extensive grasslands created through human use and increasingly being reclaimed by woody vegetation. The northern slopes are more heavily wooded. These contrasts offer nature enthusiasts and active travelers a variety of landscapes to take in, without implying any particular path or fixed route.

Churches, museum and historic traces

In the townscape of Testico, the Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo represents the 17th-century Baroque rebuilding phase. The Museo rurale degli antichi mestieri complements this historical focus: Testico was selected in 2017 as the location for the museum. Together, these two aspects make the town interesting for travelers who prefer to discover everyday Italian history, architecture and regional culture through specific sites rather than general buzzwords.

In Ginestro, the Chiesa di San Bernardo di Testico dates from the 18th century and has a simple Baroque façade. Ginestro is also home to an old water-powered olive mill from the 17th century. In Caselle-Roggio, the external structural restoration of the Cappella di San Giovanni has been completed. Church architecture, technical tradition and the approach to historic buildings thus provide different ways of exploring the area's past.

Sacred sites and a set date

The Cappella della Madonna dei Maruggi e dei Zerboni in Ginestro is not open at all times. On July 20, a Mass in honor of the Madonna dei Maruggi is celebrated in the Cappella dei Zerboni; afterwards, the residents of the Borgata offer a buffet. This specific date is particularly relevant to your travel planning if you would like to make religious traditions and community-focused events the focus of your stay.

Paths and orientation for choosing a location

Testico is served by the SP 13 di Val Merula. This road runs between Andora, Stellanello, Testico and Passo del Cesio. In addition, the rural paths in Testico are used by hikers and mountain bikers.

More places for planning your own trip: Ranzi, Dego, Spotorno, Villanova D'albenga, Toirano, Brasi, Pallare, Ceriale

For the higher-level travel overview: Savona.