グロンドナ周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ20

Whether you choose to climb from the parking lot below the castle (moderate difficulty, about 40 minutes on a well-marked path, steps, and a walkway) or follow the "Castellani's Path" from Vobbia (about two hours, including stops), the arrival near the castle is breathtaking! Spectacular, simply! This view is worth the effort (by car) to reach the tiny village of Vobbia, which, however, is located in an area rich in natural beauty! For information, visit this wonderful website: https://www.parcoantola.it/pagina.php?id=47

Up here, on Monte Giarolo, the hiker won't find the classic summit cross that crowns many mountains. Instead, on a pedestal divided into two sections, stands the figure of the Risen Christ, adorned with a cross. Christ raises one arm in greeting—or rather, in blessing—and with the other, he embraces the cross, that gruesome symbol of suffering and death, which, through his resurrection, he transformed into a glorious symbol of victory over death.

At 1,473 meters above sea level, the peak of Mount Giarolo is on the so-called Ligurian Apennines but in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont. It is the northernmost point of the Antola chain and divides the Borbera and Curone valleys. On the summit there is a statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The foundation of the Sanctuary dates back to 1672. The feast of the Sanctuary is celebrated on August 5th on the occasion of the feast of the Madonna della Neve.

The Feast of the Redeemer has been celebrated on Mount Giarolo since the beginning of the last century, when the first statue of the Redeemer was erected on August 11, 1901 (replaced with the new one exactly one hundred years later) in order to celebrate the 19th centenary of the birth of Christ. It was inaugurated by the Bishop of Tortona who, for the occasion, promoted a diocesan pilgrimage in which approximately 12,000 faithful participated. Since then, every year on the first Sunday of August tourists and faithful go to the top of the mountain to renew the tradition.

The top of the mountain can be reached starting from Cantalupo Ligure, Borgo Adorno and Albera Ligure (Val Borbera), from Giarolo (Val Museglia) and from Caldirola (Val Curone). The view from the top extends north and west over the plain up to the Alpine range with the profiles of Monviso, Cervino and Rosa. In the other directions the panorama shows the nearest mountains Boglelio, Penice, Lesima, Ebro, Chiappo, Monte Antola, other peaks of the Ligurian Apennines up to the Ligurian Sea, visible on the clearest days. (source Wikipedia)

Nice observation point over the castle and one of the towers where you could once climb. Great for a souvenir photo. you must not suffer from vertigo, exposed sides and a small climb to the top must be done with care and suitable shoes.

Absolutely worth visiting, perhaps taking the longer, but simpler, Via dei Castellani from Vobbia. The castle, unique in its kind, is very well renovated and the guides explain the history beautifully.