Borgoratto Alessandrino

Borgoratto Alessandrino can be explored through its public art and a route that passes through Chiccovello and back into the village. Ten depictions of local landmarks, an artistically designed garden entrance and the Big Bench degli Artisti offer concrete points of interest for your visit. From Chiccovello, you can see Monviso. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are most interested in the art, the route or the combination of both.

Public art

At the heart of Borgoratto is the Giardino dell'accoglienza, a public green space. The Muro dell'accoglienza marks the entrance to the garden. Lele Gastini designed the wall in his distinctive style, with references to nature, art and conviviality. The Italian word accoglienza means welcome and hospitality, and features in the names of both the garden and the wall.

Along the Percorso degli Artisti are ten depictions of Borgoratto's landmarks, created by Denise Bistolfi. The focus is therefore on motifs from the village itself. The Panchina degli Artisti also has its own story: American designer Chris Bangle designed it, and residents Marino Ferasin, Gianni Massobrio and Filippo Oddone built it in its entirety. Here, the design and construction were carried out by different people.

A route through Chiccovello

The Percorso degli Artisti passes through Chiccovello (El Chiquè), where the Big Bench stands, along Via Battisti, past Cino Bozzetti's birthplace, and back into the village as far as the gate of Villa Ravizza. This makes it possible to follow the route via specific stops rather than viewing the artworks as separate, unconnected points. The Big Bench degli Artisti stands at Chiccovello and offers a view of Monviso.

The walk to the Big Bench can form part of longer cycling or walking routes for trekking enthusiasts, cyclists and anyone who enjoys walks in the countryside. Two different scales are involved: the Percorso, with its named stops, and the option of incorporating the walk to the bench into a longer route. Which option suits your outing depends on whether you want to explore the described route itself or make it part of a longer excursion.

Information for cyclists and hikers

The Albergo diurno is next to the Bike Point. It is intended for cyclists and hikers and offers toilets, showers, changing rooms and lockers. These facilities are a practical consideration when planning a day out on foot or by bike. The public green space at the heart of the village and the facilities at the Bike Point serve different purposes: the Giardino dell'accoglienza is a place to relax in the village, while the Albergo diurno is intended for people who hike or cycle.

Gnocchi and local tradition

The Sagra degli Gnocchi is also part of Borgoratto's culinary scene. In 2022, the festival celebrated its 20th edition. At the 2024 edition, volunteers from the Pro Loco di Borgoratto Alessandrino prepared the dishes by hand using traditional recipes. These dates refer to specific past editions; the preparation illustrates the role of volunteer involvement and traditional recipes at this festival.

Borgoratto Alessandrino offers several points of interest for a trip to Italy: art featuring motifs from the village, a route with clearly named stops, views of Monviso and a culinary tradition with historical reference points. When choosing your destination, you can weigh these themes according to whether you are most interested in public art, routes through the countryside or local cuisine.

Discover more destinations: Sanico, Montecapraro, Brignano, Gabiano, Castelnuovo Bormida, Montaldo Bormida, Cadepiaggio and Giarole.

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.