Piana Crixia: Badlands, Geology and Historical Traces

The Fungo di Piana Crixia rises near the hamlet of Borgo on the bank of a bend in the Bormida di Spigno River. Approximately 15 metres high, it consists of a huge mass of ophiolitic rock supported by a column of conglomerate. This geological feature alone gives Piana Crixia a distinct profile: you can combine nature observation, a short hiking trail, regional history and local flavours.

Nature Park and Badlands

In the Piana Crixia Regional Nature Park, flat areas used for agriculture contrast with the rugged hills rising above them. There, weathering and erosion have carved out impressive badlands that are constantly evolving. The landscape thus displays a clear contrast between cultivated areas and deeply dissected formations, making it particularly suitable for mindful observation of nature. For nature enthusiasts, the focus here is on the individual rock formation by the river and on the erosion-shaped hills in the park.

Historical Traces and Baroque Forms

The remains of a medieval castle stand on a hilltop in Piana Crixia. The church dedicated to Saints Eugene, Victor and Corona was built in Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century. Archaeological finds dating from between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD were discovered in the village of Pareta. Thus, medieval, Baroque and even older evidence stand side by side in Piana Crixia.

Hiking Trail and Environmental Education

The Sentiero delle Creste is also known as Sentiero 1 and REL 1. It is a 2.6-kilometre, one-hour hiking trail offering panoramic views. It starts in the village of Pontevecchio. At 2.6 kilometres and with a stated duration of one hour, the Sentiero delle Creste remains a clearly defined route in Piana Crixia in terms of time.

The educational programme „Tra sole terra e acqua“ offered by the Piana Crixia Regional Nature Park to schools begins with a visit to the multimedia room at the Centro Parco. It provides insights into the protected area's geomorphology, flora, fauna, rural architecture and local legends. In this way, the programme combines natural history and cultural topics within an explicitly school-based framework.

A Taste of Piana Crixia

Piana Crixia torrone is traditionally made with hazelnuts, eggs, honey and sugar, and refined with a wafer made from flour or potato starch. These ingredients give the local speciality a clearly recognisable culinary profile and complement the area's scenic and historical impressions with a regional flavour.

Getting There and Local Connections

Piana Crixia can be reached via the Savona–Alessandria railway line; the station is located in the Molino district. If you are planning accommodation for your stay, you can compare these local connections with your own nature, cultural and travel plans.

Other destinations for your travel planning include Vezzi San Giorgio, Nasino-Borgo, Marina di Andora, Spinetta, Castelbianco, Savona, Albisola Superiore and Brasi.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Savona.