Discover Merana: San Fermo, the Calanchi and Paths through the Hills

Merana showcases its distinctive hilly landscape where geological formations and historic sites come together around San Fermo. In the hills of Merana, there are Calanchi formed by erosion in ancient marine sediments of the Langhe. Torre di San Fermo stands on Colle di San Fermo and offers sweeping views over the Valle Bormida di Spigno.

Torre di San Fermo and Views over the Valley

Torre di San Fermo has a square floor plan with sides measuring 4.50 metres and is 25 metres high. A digital access option and daily opening hours from 08:00 to 21:00 are listed for Torre di San Fermo.

Churches and Historical Testimony

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Maria Ausiliatrice preserves a wooden Pietà from the early 16th century. The present-day church was inaugurated in 1941 and built through the work of the residents of Merana.

The Chiesetta di San Fermo is a 17th-century chapel located on the site of the original parish church of San Nicolao. The historic parish site associated with the Chiesetta di San Fermo is documented in records dated 14 March 1170 and 9 May 1179.

Paths through the Hills

The Percorso Botanico is approximately 400 metres long and lies at the summit of San Fermo hill. On the paths through Merana's hills, hikers can discover the stone figures known as “muriòn” among broom and thyme.

L'Anello di Merana is a 10.52-kilometre circular route rated E, with a stated duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The circular trail is marked with regional trail marker 575 and offers variants that allow the route to be shortened and a return to the village. Its access point is at the rest area by the Pro Loco.

Panchina Gigante and Memorial Site in the Calanchi

The Panchina Gigante in Regione Castello stands on a grassy area next to Torre di San Fermo. The Panchina Gigante di Merana is number 45 in the Big Bench Community Project.

In the Merana area of the Calanchi, a wooden boat stands as a memorial site dedicated by Paolo and Luca Ghione to their father Pierino.

Event at San Fermo

The Festa Patronale di San Fermo takes place in Merana. For 8 August 2026, it has been announced as a public event at the Chiesetta di San Fermo on Colle di San Fermo.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

For further trip planning, you can also discover Cassinelle, Sanico, Malvicino, Borgo San Martino, Pontecurone, Murisengo, Silvano D'orba and Rocchetta Ligure.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alessandria.