音频游览 Sentiero della Rocca del Serro - Ecomuseum of Rocche of Roero

The Sentiero della Rocca del Serro is a circular itinerary that starts from the historic center of Montaldo Roero (Cn), crosses centuries-old woods and chestnut groves, reaches the bottom of the Rocca del Serro valley and climbs towards the ancient inhabited area of ​​the town, on which stands the medieval tower.

AUDIOGUIDE UNDER CONSTRUCTION: AT THE MOMENT ONLY THE GPX TRACK IS PRESENT TO TRAVEL THE PATH WITH THE GEOLOCALIZED MAP.

It is one of the two ring paths of Montaldo Roero. The Path is marked out and has a direction of travel: it is recommended to travel along the Paths in the direction indicated by the signs and in the maps; it is possible to extend the itinerary by crossing the other paths present.

The trail is not recommended for use on mountain bikes due to the very technical track.

TECHNICAL DATA
Length: 4 km
Duration: 1 h and 30 min
Difference in altitude: 125 m
Fund 75% natural, 25% asphalted
Difficulty: EF (Easy Hiker)
Difficulty: MD (Mountain Bike Difficult)

THE ITINERARY
Starting from the small square in the historic center of Montaldo Roero (p.za Viglione), follow the S.P. in the direction indicated by the poles, crossing the small bridge of the Rocca della Fontana (due to the ancient presence of a municipal spring lost in time), overlooking the castle of Monticello d'Alba. On the left, the relief of the Madonna delle Grazie, a small church from the 1600s built on an ancient observation and defense site. A little further on, on the right, you can take advantage of a water point.
You then cross the suggestive suspension bridge over the Rocche, stretched along the diaphragm that divides the two sides, to reach the Baldissero d’Alba - Monteu Roero junction and continue towards this latter direction.
The provincial road, penetrating through centuries-old chestnut groves, skirting a picnic area (water point) arrives (at 1250 mt. from the start) at the palinate junction "Cristo delle Rocche and Rocca del Serro".
From here, an optional detour to the left leads to BOSCO FATATO, a clearing with centuries-old chestnut groves of great interest to children due to the installation of an outdoor bookcase, fairy houses, gnomes and forest animals, decorative sculptures on the net metallic.
Back on the main path, you will come across the wood carvings of the chainsaw artist Barba Brisiu, and imaginative colorful birdhouses in the trees.
The path, which once connected Montaldo to Monteu Roero, winds its way through Scotch pines, chestnuts, white and aspen poplars, locust trees and wild hazelnuts, until it enters a wilder and shady area, where the first ferns appear.
A short climb begins which leads to a small, enchanting plateau embellished with an artistic wrought iron votive altar, the Cristo delle Rocche.
Between chestnut trees, downy oaks, Scots pines and junipers there is a beautiful panoramic point from which it is possible to enjoy the view of the Rocche and the town.
We are located at a height of 375 m. and this is where the most demanding part of the route begins.
Continue to the left along the "Primo dell’Orto" path, a steep descent (in the initial part with steps) towards the bottom of the Rocche, winding along a narrow strip of land straddling two gorges.
Ten minutes of breathtaking descent that gradually fades until you reach the bottom of the rocche, among ferns, elderberries, willows, alders (verne) and ivy, typical essences of a humid environment.
The path continues, signposted, until it reaches the Rocca del Serro crossroads, the confluence of the range of rocche (and canals) between the upper bridge and the borders with Monteu Roero.
“Serro” derives from “cerrum”, due to the presence once (we have news of it since 1200) of a majestic, isolated Turkey oak, a particular type of oak.
The path continues along a ridge of considerable geological and truffle interest, between high vertical sandy walls softened at the top by isolated Scots pines, veritable bastions of marl with gray and yellow layers.
You go up gradually between bagolari (favarun in dialect), wild cherry trees and locust trees up to the open space with a view of the hamlets of Monteu Roero, on bricchi and sorì until you cross the provincial road to reach, after having admired the ancient watchtower and passed the Romanesque apse of San Giovanni, in the square of departure.