Ruino: Montelungo, Churches and Green Hills

Ruino lies on a hill and is surrounded by green forests and meadows. The combination of landscape, religious architecture and a distinctive cycling route offers you several ways to explore the town and its wider surroundings according to your own preferences.

Montelungo and the churches of Ruino

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montelungo is located in the hamlet of Ruino and is one of the oldest Marian shrines in Italy. In 774, Emperor Charlemagne donated the town of Montelungo to San Colombano Abbey. A memorial chapel was built in 1963 on the site of the former Montelungo church.

The present parish church of San Pietro Apostolo in Ruino dates from the second half of the 18th century. Its Baroque façade is made of unplastered stone. The church also houses a carved wooden composition from the 17th century in honour of the Virgin Mary.

The Shrine of the Apparition of the Madonna of Montelungo in Ruino is a site of historical and religious significance. The Oratory of Ca' del Matto is located in the village of Ca' del Matto, which belongs to the hamlet of Ruino. It is a simple example of religious architecture with a square floor plan, a graceful bell tower and exposed-brick masonry.

Historic buildings in the surrounding region

The Torre degli Alberi Castle stands on the summit of a wooded hill and is preserved in excellent condition. The wider region around Ruino also includes the Rocca di Montalino fortress, Castello Visconteo, Dattili Palace and Palazzo Gounela.

Cycling route and loop

The Piccolo Stelvio cycling route runs from Lago di Trebecco uphill towards Pometo, a hamlet of Colli Verdi in the province of Pavia. Over just 3 km, the route includes 20 hairpin bends. The climb has an approximate elevation difference of 170 m. Along the short route, the 20 bends and the 170 m elevation difference shape the course of the ascent.

The Canevino–Pometo loop runs past the town of Pometo and opens up the natural panorama of the surrounding area.

Mountains and valleys around Ruino

Mount Monte Penice is located in the area around Ruino. The wider region around Ruino also includes Mount Pietra Parcellara, Mount Pietra Perduca and Mount Monte Armelio.

Colli Verdi forms a watershed between the Ardivestra, Scuropasso, Versa and Tidone valleys.

Choose accommodation based on your travel focus

When choosing a hotel in Ruino, you can plan your days around Montelungo, San Pietro Apostolo and the shrine in Ruino, the green forests and meadows, as well as the Piccolo Stelvio cycling route and the Canevino–Pometo loop.

Other places in the same area

Donelasco, Golferenzo, Rosasco, Montesegale, Garlasco, Valverde, Cilavegna and Codevilla.

To the higher-level travel overview: Pavia.