Andora – The path Mezzacqua
As regards the fourth stage of #LiguriaTrekkingeXperience we decide to discover the village of Andora and its countryside.
We chose a very simple and scenic walk to admire the nature and the surprises that this place offers.
We talk about the path Mezzacqua connecting Andora to the ancient village of Colla Micheri.
It is a trail suitable for all kinds of trekkers that, thanks to the mild Ligurian weather, can walk it all year long.
This easy route allows even the beginners to live a leisurely open air adventure and enjoy unforgettable sights of the coast.
Data of the trail
Difficulty:
T (Tourist). Very easy path
Standard Time:
1 hr
Ascent:
170 m a.s.l.
Description of the route
Rather than an excursion this fourth stage of LiguriaTrekkingeXperience tells about a walk in the green western part of Liguria.
In fact the path Mezzacqua is very easy and a perfect walk for the trekkers who do not want to get tired.
While walking through the countryside of Andora without feeling tired, we discover old places rich in history.
Along the trail we can be captivated by the several botanic species growing here. Particularly magnificent oaks and hazel trees give shade while we pass by.
But along this way travelers are enchanted not only by the natural aspect. A large quantity of historical traces, coming from different times, appear in a while from the green landscape.
Just one example: from the church of S. Damiano a new path leads to the Castle of Andora and to the churches of SS. Giacomo and Filippo up to the crossroad with one of the most ancient Ligurian roads: Via Iulia Augusta dating back to 13 b.C.
So the path Mezzacqua is interesting and stunning along the whole way even its point of arrival exceeds any expectation: the ancient village of Colla Micheri is a real jewel set on the hills of Andora.
Here time seems to stand still: the small black and white stone-paved alleys, the little square in the centre of the village dating back to the Roman times and the old mill on the top of the village where we enjoy an amazing view from. All that seems to come straight from a book of History.
One more curiosity: in Colla Micheri Thor Heyerdahl, a famous Norwegian explorer and anthropologist spent his last years and the pier of Andora, the point of departure of our adventure, is dedicated to his memory.
Directions
Leaving the pier of Andora which is dedicated to the explorer Thor Heyerdahl, we walk towards Via Mezzacqua, a paved street inside the village.
We go for about 200 metres onwards and we reach a bar stopping the passage of cars. From here on the way becomes a real dirt path. Just before the bar we notice a signpost for the chapel of Mezzacqua, a must-see.
Continuing along the path Mezzacqua, we walk among oaks and hazel trees as far as we reach the church of S. Damiano.
Here we can see two signposts: the first one leads to the church of SS. Giacomo and Filippo and it must be ignored, the second one, which we follow, leads to the village of Colla Micheri.
At this point the route joins the ancient Via Julia Augusta and after 10-15 minutes we reach the ancient Roman village.
After walking along cobblestone little roads and visiting the little square of the village, we can follow the many signposts leading to the Mill on the top of the village. From here and from the trail along the crest, we can see a scenic view of Andora and the Isle of Gallinara.
Suggested equipment
Like for any trekking itinerary, even in this case to face the route trekking shoes and clothes suitable for dirt trails are recommended.
Moreover we should carry a good quantity of water as only one refreshment service is present in Colla Micheri and it is often closed.
As it is a very easy trail, we needn’t have special technical equipment.