This is a loop trail that, starting from Monastero Bormida, connects the medieval towers of Monastero Bormida, San Giorgio Scarampi, Olmo Gentile, Roccaverano and Vengore. The towers of Perletto, Denice and Castelletto d'Erro are also clearly visible along the route. All these towers used to form the defence line of the Marquisate of the Carretto family who, at that time, had control over a large part of the Langhe and the Ligurian Apennines to protect against Saracen invasions.
As the path often crosses or runs alongside asphalted roads it can also be walked in sections at different times, and you can use the car to reach the next stretch you want to walk. As the route winds mainly along the ridges, please take note that springs or water sources are rare, nevertheless you can enjoy the hospitality of the valley dwellers who are happy to open their homes to thirsty travellers and offer their typical local products such as the famous Robiola di Roccaverano cheese. Along the path you can also easily bump into some roes and fallow deer and, on a clear day, the view overlooks a large part of the Apennines and the Alps stretching from Monte Beigua down to the Ligurian Alps, Maritime Alps, Monviso, Cottian and Graian Alps, Mont Blanc, Cervino, Monte Rosa and the Pennine Alps.
Signage: the trail is marked with official red and white CAI signposts, with boards and arrow signs pointing the main sites and places of interest, and with 5T directional trail markers on the poles. The former yellow diamond signs and wooden arrows can still be found at the main junctions.
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Tour of the Five Towers – Stage 1: Monastero Bormida - San Giorgio Scarampi
In Monastero Bormida you will find the first signposts after crossing the beautiful medieval bridge which features four arches and a central chapel. At the next junction, turn right onto the provincial road towards Roccaverano, you pass by the cemetery and move past the tiny chapel of Sant'Orsola to your left and then the small church of San Rocco.
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Tour of the Five Towers – Stage 2: San Giorgio Scarampi - Olmo Gentile
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Tour of the Five Towers – Stage 3: Olmo Gentile - Roccaverano
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Tour of the Five Towers – Stage 4: Roccaverano - Vengore (Roccaverano)
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Tour of the Five Towers – Stage 5: Vengore (Roccaverano) - Monastero Bormida
Find out morePLEASE NOTE: Responsibility for the maintenance and practicability of the various trails lies with the municipalities where the routes are located. The Tourist Board, therefore, cannot be held responsible for any inefficiencies, but is willingly available to collect your reports so that they can be forwarded to the authorities concerned.
