Easy loop excursion that, in addition to remarkable panoramic prerogatives, has a great historical interest, allowing
you to visit three fortresses built in the 1800s, presiding of a Strategic pass, known since ancient times: the
Colle di Nava, which connects the Ligurian Riviera with Piedmont.
The trip takes place in the territory of the Municipality of Pornassio, which boasts a long and interesting history, of which many testimonies remain, including, in the hamlet Villa, the castle < /b >thirteenth-century, destroyed in 1405 and then rebuilt: the manor is in good condition, so much so that part is still inhabited by the descendants of the Marquises Scarella, who received Pornassio in fief from the Doge of Genoa in the distant 1385. Of great interest is the Romanesque church of San Dalmazzo: the bell tower dates back to the '200, while the façade, portal and frescoes are from the fifteenth century.
Also worth seeing is the medieval hamlet Ponti, the oldest in the country, which every year, on the Sunday before 20 August, returns to its origins of center of merchants and artisans with the ancient fair of San Bernardo. The area was also inhabited since ancient times, as demonstrated by the discovery, near Pian d'Isola, of a tomb with incineration of the 7th century before Christ.
The excursion starts from the Hill of Nava, at 934 meters above sea level, where first of all you must visit the powerful defensive structure of the Central Fort.
We then walk along a road (initially paved) heading south, touching the not far away Forte Bellarasco.
After passing the fortress, you continue substantially flat, neglecting a first detour to the left and a next to the right, thus reaching, at 926 meters above sea level, the wide ridge southern Mount Bellarasco.
Now leave the dirt road to follow, on the left (north) the unmistakable ridge that, with a regular climb, leads to the summit of Monte Bellarasco, where the climb ends (not listed, about 1300 meters).
Continuing now downhill, always heading north along the ridge of the mountain, you reach the well-preserved Fort Richermo, at 1206 meters above sea level.
The journey now continues in a west direction, along a path that, gradually, turns into a small road, until you reach the saddle of the Colle di Nava again: an altitude of 934 meters.
The entire circular route takes two hours or so.
Travel time: 2 hours
Starting altitude: m. 934
Altitude gain: < ; /strong> m. 350 circa
Difficulty: T —
Tourist Recommended period: All year round (in the absence of snow)
Region: Liguria
Province: Imperia
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