On the path of St. Nicholas
T18
Level of difficulty
Type
Duration
2 hours 25 minutes
STARTING POINT
St. John's Square
Municipality of departure
Farigliano
Starting fee
275 m
POINT OF ARRIVAL
St. John's Square
Municipality of arrival
Farigliano
Arrival fee
275 m
Length of the route
18.1 km
MAXIMUM QUOTE.
563 m
Minimum fee
253 m
Uphill elevation gain
487 m
Downhill gradient
466 m
Charging column
Present
It is located at the Bricco Rosso farmhouse in Farigliano, at Bricco Rosso 99; phone number 392.3568550.
THE PATH.
Varied loop itinerary on mixed ground (dirt and asphalt) that winds through the hills separating Farigliano from Dogliani, crossing an area where vineyards alternate with woods, shrubs and meadow-pastures.
From the center of Farigliano, then, you head east toward Sant'Eleuterio, passing by the monumental cemetery of Dogliani and climbing up toward the so-called Bric del Galli, which is also planted with Dolcetto.
Continuing south, the route passes near Belvedere Langhe and the Chapel of Santa Croce before climbing again to reach the highest point of the entire route.
Returning toward Borgata Masanti, it finally bends westward first and then northward, overlooking the Tanaro River and re-entering the center of Farigliano.
LOCATIONS AND POINTS OF INTEREST
Chapel of St. Nicholas
A distinctive and secluded Romanesque country chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas (or Saint Nicholas of Bari), it likely dates back to the 15th century and houses a valuable cycle of 15th-century frescoes attributed by some scholars to Macrino d'Alba, who was active in Piedmont and Lombardy between 1495 and 1513.
Rosary pillars and the monumental cemetery
A striking monumental complex with an imaginative and exclusive reinterpretation of the Gothic style, the Dogliani cemetery certainly represents Giovanni Battista Schellino's most significant intervention. The accuminate spires, which harmonize and draw inspiration from the pyramidal tips of poplars and cypresses facing the sky, give the monumental facade a kind of "religious aesthetic." Similarly noteworthy are the 14 Rosary Pillars, designed by Schellino himself, leading from the cemetery to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace.
Former Bra-Ceva railway
Opened in 1874, effectively establishing the first rail link between Turin and Savona, the Turin–Carmagnola–Bra–Ceva railway line remained in service until November 5–6, 1994, when flooding of the Tanaro River rendered several sections impassable, making it impossible to restore service. In some places, the abandoned right-of-way is now used for hiking.
The Red Cats.
"Gatt Ross" is the affectionate nickname given—according to an ancient legend—to the residents of Farigliano, a place name that some believe reflects their open and jovial nature. In keeping with this playful and creative spirit, over the years, various red cat silhouettes have been hung throughout the village—in gardens, at windows, and on gates—as part of a unique open-air treasure hunt designed especially for children.
Local Specialties
Dolcetto di Dogliani: considered to be one of the most widespread grape varieties in southern Piedmont, Dolcetto would seem etymologically to derive from dosso or hill (duset), although several scholars prefer to associate it with the sweetness of the pulp that is more easily perceived when tasting the grape than other classic Piedmont varieties. In the territory of Dogliani and twenty other municipalities in the Cuneo area, the Dogliani DOCG appellation is produced, with a strong and harmonious flavor and a finely almond aftertaste.
Copeta di Dogliani: a typical local dessert that was prepared by monks since the Middle Ages with the same technique used to prepare wafers for Holy Mass, it is quite widespread in Southern Piedmont and in the Monregalese area in particular. In the Doglianese version, cooked walnut kernels and hazelnuts are used alongside acacia honey, pressed and blended together.
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