This time Camminandoinoltrepo accompanies us to discover the Valle del Bardonezza, a 7.9-kilometre route through evocative landscapes and ancient villages, ideal for immersing oneself in the tranquillity and beauty of this borderland.
The excursion in the Bardonezza Valley is an itinerary of about 7.90 kilometres, which can be covered in one hour and thirty-five minutes. It is a hike of medium difficulty, alternating between stretches of asphalt road and dirt tracks, with splendid views of the hills between the Rio Marsinola valley and the Bardonezza valley. The route develops in a loop, with departure and arrival at Rovescala - Ca‘ Nicelli.
Our adventure begins along Provincial Road 198 in the direction of Rovescala. After a few minutes‘ walk, we come to a fork where we turn left, following the signpost for Scazzolino. We cross the entire hamlet downhill, immersing ourselves in the quiet of the surrounding countryside.
After a distance of about 1.3 kilometres, the path turns into a dirt track that leads even deeper into the valley. We walk another 800 metres until we reach the lowest point of our route. Here, the road gives us a flat section that allows us to admire the natural beauty of the valley. The tranquillity of the place is only interrupted by the sound of our footsteps and the singing of birds.
Continuing on our way, the cart track begins to climb gently. After another 1.3 kilometres, we enter the first houses of Rovescala. Here, we are greeted by the spectacle of the ridge dominating the village, with its imposing parish church and 45-metre bell tower soaring skywards. This bell tower is a symbol of Rovescala, and its presence reminds us of the deep connection of this place with its history and community.
We continue along Via Roma, straight on until we reach the chapel of the S.S. Madonna di Caravaggio. This small place of worship, full of spirituality, offers an ideal pause for reflection and admiring the surrounding landscape.
From here, we follow the signs for the castle. At the crossroads, we take Via del Castello and climb up to the remains of the 14th-century fortress, an 18th-century noble residence and the square tower. These buildings, although partly ruined by time, bear witness to the history and strategic importance of Rovescala in past centuries. From this point, the panoramic view of the village and the valley is simply breathtaking, offering a unique opportunity to stop and take a few photos.
After exploring the castle, we turn back along Via Maccallè. From here we take Via Adua downhill, following it to a junction where we keep to the right. Continuing on, we come to the next crossroads and turn right into Via Campo del Monte, then immediately left into Via Borroni. We pass the Centro Sportivo Rovescala Park, a meeting place for locals and a reference point for those who enjoy outdoor sports.
The route continues along Via Dante, where we turn left, and then continue along Via Pozzaroni. This stretch, characterised by a dirt track, gives us spectacular views of the Bardonezza river and the Piacentini hills, a natural setting that accompanies our steps as we approach the end of the hike.
The last stretch of the route takes us to a fork, where we turn right and, uphill, reach the asphalt road of the hamlet of Ca‘ Nova. From here, we head left, following Provincial Road 198 again and passing through the hamlets of Pieve and Ca‘ Nicelli, until we return to our starting point.
Happy walking to all!
