Borgio Verezzi – the Natur path and the Cultur path
For the second stage of #LiguriaTrekkingeXperience we discover Borgio Verezzi and the beautiful cultural and natural heritage enriching this old village.
In fact it is no accident if the routes we walk are called “Nature path” and “Culture path”.
Fossil evidences, ancient mills and scenic views surprise all the trekking lovers taking these trails. Just as they surprised and fascinated us!
Data of the trail
Difficulty: E (Excursionist). Easy path
Standard Time: 3 hours
Distance: 7 km
Ascent: 280 m a.s.l.
Description of the route
Borgio Verezzi is an old sea village and surely it is one of the most beautiful Saracen places in Liguria.
Walking through its two areas, Borgio at sea level and Verezzi on the hill, means to plunge in the nature and in the local history surrounded by the natural vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub.
People who want to have this experience, can choose the different thematic trails the municipality of Borgio Verezzi created for all kinds of trekkers: the Geologic path, the Nature path and the Culture path. These two last ones often overlap and coincide.
So we mainly walk the Nature path and we can also admire all the surprises the Culture path offers.
In addition we take a small detour to visit the famous Caves of Borgio Verezzi.
Rising from the sea we meet three historic churches: the first church in Borgio, the other two in Verezzi from where we enjoy picturesque views along the coast.
Down our way among the olive groves, spurge woods and brooms we get to the Phoenician Mill. It is the most well-preserved mill among the last three still existing in the whole Europe.
While going to euphorbia woods, brooms and nut trees, the trail offers us a new surprise: we can see some clear evidences of fossil sea organisms!
In fact here we are able to admire the famous Stone of Verezzi, a decorative stone, rich in fossil evidences dated more than 20-30 million years old.
Briefly: in this path we plunge in the wonderful Ligurian nature and meantime in its history as well!
Directions
After leaving the ancient area of Borgio in a while we are in front of the Church of San Pietro and going on after the characteristically cobblestone little roads we reach the entry of the Caves.
We can decide to visit them (It’s worth it) or we can keep on walking and then taking the way just on the left after the exit from the caves.
This trail leads to the beginning of the Nature path. It is well marked by the signposts that the Municipality installed in addition to explicative signs near the most important historic places.
The ascent towards Verezzi along a mostly cobblestone road is quite steep but the arrival in the panoramic square of Sant’Agostino pays all of us for the hard work.
Along the little alleys in the upper part of the village, we walk just few paved meters; afterwards we take one of the several Creuse (local farm tracks) leading to two churches in a very green atmosphere: the Sanctuary of Maria Regina Mundi and the Church of San Martino.
A suggestion? Stop for a while on their churchyard and admire the scenic view.
Between the two churches a signpost shows the way to the Phoenician Mill. Once the ancient building is visited, we come back and after following the small cemetery we take the cobblestone road on the right leading to a small grove and straight away goes down to the sea.
It is along this trail we can admire the fossil deposits.
Suggested equipment
As it is an easy trail accessible year-round for children too, special technical equipment is not requested but trekking shoes as usual.
Moreover we suggest to use trekking sticks and wear wind clothing.
If you wish you can bring water and food with you: along the trail you meet drinking fountains and refreshment services anyway.