In the picturesque heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, the Sentiero delle Fontane reveals a wonderful symphony of nature and history. Along a route of about 7 kilometres, this adventure offers not only breathtaking views, but also the opportunity to immerse oneself in the ancient charm of the villages of Poggio Ferrato and Casarasco.
In the heart of the enchanting Oltrepò Pavese lies a hidden gem, a route that embraces the beauty of nature and tells the thousand-year history of this fascinating region: the Sentiero delle Fontane. This approximately 7-kilometre itinerary offers a pleasant walk through the upper Val Nizza, offering breathtaking views and immersive adventures.
The trail begins its journey at the votive chapel in Via della Vigna in Poggio Ferrato, and from here heads in a series of ups and downs that lead to one of the most fascinating features of this area: the natural water springs. Six of these springs, persistent in their flow, are waiting to be discovered along the way.
The route passes through the picturesque villages of Poggio Ferrato and Casarasco, where the ancient stone houses tell stories of a legendary past, the strongholds of the early Malaspina. The road, paved and welcoming, takes visitors to the oratory of San Rocco, offering an intermediate stop in Casarasco, a plunge into the past of this community.
As we venture along the trail, we ascend to the hamlet of Monte, a place steeped in history linked to the Abbey of S. Alberto di Butrio. The diversions to the Boiolo spring and Fontanino is an irresistible invitation, adding a touch of freshness and serenity to the journey.
Once past the hamlet of Monte, the trail winds its way through the Castanetum, a magical forest populated by oak and chestnut trees that stretches from Pizzocorno and Oramala. The atmosphere becomes thick with the scents and sounds of nature, making this part of the trail an unforgettable experience.
The Croesa and Calasco springs, with their living and regenerating water, stand as milestones along the way. The Calasco spring, the most active in the entire valley, bears witness to the generosity of the earth.
The journey reaches its conclusion at the pools of the Moglie fountain, just below the village of Poggio Ferrato. Here, amidst the ancient stones and the succession of pools, the Sentiero delle Fontane dissolves into the history and beauty of this strip of paradise.
During this walk, fortune may smile, bestowing encounters with the local fauna. Deer and fallow deer, intent on grazing in the surrounding meadows, become the silent spectators of this adventure, making the Sentiero delle Fontane a perfect combination of unspoilt nature and rich history. An invitation to immerse oneself in the wonders of the Oltrepò Pavese, where every step is a journey through time and nature.
