Castelvecchio di R.B. and Arroscia Valley

Castelvecchio di R.B. and Arroscia Valley

Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy on the southern slopes of the Rocca Barbena, 1100 metres above sea level. Located near Val Neva, the Savona valley that takes its name from the river of the same name. It is known above all for its labyrinth-like paths that lead to an ancient fortress: the Castle of the Marquises of Clavesana, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the village and the valley. A cluster of stone houses frames the castle and walking in these surroundings is an unforgettable experience, under a succession of vaults and arches used to hold the houses together.

Nome in dialetto: Castrevëgio

IAT: Via Provinciale, 6

Telefono: 0182 78042

Email: castelvecchiorb@uno.it

“La seconda vita” (The Second Life), written by Maurizio Pupi Bracali, is a detective story set in Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena and in which the protagonist is a Ligurian policeman engaged in solving a case.

Majestic entrances and winding alleys

The village welcomes us with the majestic ogive shaped Porta Soprana, which is the gateway to the village. From here, after walking through a series of narrow and winding alleys, you reach the Piazza della Torre square where you have the so called Torre dell’Impiccato, or “Hanging Tower”, dating from 1448, as the seat of the ancient gallows and the Oratory of Santa Maria Maddalena.

The clear waters of the Neva torrent are home to numerous species, including the now rare crayfish, a valuable biological indicator and sensitive to pollution.

The heart of Castelvecchio

Leaving the centre of the hamlet and reaching the hill in front of you, you come upon the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace. Along the road that leads to it you have to look hard to find a small cemetery with a curious heart shape and a small, front portico.

The siege of Rocca Barbena castle in 1672 was the scene of the exploits of Sebastiano Contratio (known as Bastian). The name has entered popular language to indicate polemical character and contradiction.

A merging walkway

The Ilaria del Carretto path, south of the village, is a long walk among age old olive trees and forest that crosses through Borgata Fontana and the country Church of San Giuseppe, joining Castelvecchio to another charming hamlet: Zuccarello, a medieval village composed of intricate “Caruggi” alleys waiting to be discovered.

Lives Castelvecchio di R.B. and Arroscia Valley e dintorni

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