Ponzone: Sacred Art, Hiking Trails and Local Specialties

Sacred Art and History

Ponzone combines sacred architecture with diverse landscapes. Construction of the Chiesa Parrocchiale began in 1577, and it was consecrated in 1627. The church has three naves; its high altar is Baroque and made of black Bardiglio marble with inlays of white and yellow marble.

The Museo di arte sacra is housed in the Oratorio del Santo Suffragio. It contains polychrome wooden statues dating from the 15th to the 16th century. The museum's most valuable piece is a wooden processional chest by Antonio Maria Maragliano depicting a vision of the Evangelist John on the island of Patmos.

The Santuario della Pieve was built before the year 1000 and largely rebuilt, or practically reconstructed, in 1694. Around the Santuario, paths and squares lead to a distinctive Way of the Cross on the slope of a hill.

Hiking through Forests and Open Landscapes

The Sentiero Cartosio – Ponzone passes through cultivated areas and forests and offers panoramic views. It then reaches the first houses of Ponzone and continues to the village square. Its route therefore combines an experience of nature with the transition into the town.

The Sentiero Piancastagna – Bricco – Pessina – Pianazzi – Moretti can be explored on foot or on horseback and is also suitable for mountain bikes along long stretches. The Sentiero Anello dei Gorrei passes through an open landscape with Erica arborea, juniper, downy oaks and red rocks, which in places create a lunar landscape.

The Sentiero Anello dei Pianazzi runs through chestnut forests, rocky ridges, meadows and a pine forest. One section crosses rocks that can become slippery in bad weather; the trail is therefore suitable for experienced hikers. The Sentiero Anello di Bric Berton is a circular trail through the forests around the Bric Berton hill on the border between Piedmont and Liguria.

Remembrance and Flavour

The Sacrario di Piancastagna is a resistance memorial built around the grave of partisan commander Domenico Lanza. It commemorates people and episodes of the Resistance between the Acquese and the Ovadese areas. At the same time, the Sacrario is the starting point for the hiking trails of “I sentieri della Libertà”.

Ponzone also has a distinct culinary identity. The town is a production area for Filetto baciato, a pure pork salami with a characteristic centre of salted fillet, which is matured at an altitude of 750 metres. Ponzone's local products also include goat's-milk cheese.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Trip

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Ponzone, you can base your personal priorities on these specific themes: sacred art and architectural history, paths through forests and open landscapes, places of remembrance or regional products. This allows you to plan your stay according to your preferred pace of travel and personal interests, without losing sight of the town's different facets.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

If you are planning your trip to Italy beyond Ponzone, you can also include Olivola, Brignano, Trisobbio, Quattordio, Pecetto, Fresonara, Borgo Adorno and Rocca Grimalda in your itinerary.

To the overarching travel overview: Alessandria.