Viola - Pamparato
T07
Level of difficulty
Type
Duration
3h 00'
STARTING POINT
Marconi Square
Municipality of departure
Viola
Starting fee
834 m
POINT OF ARRIVAL
Marconi Square
Municipality of arrival
Viola
Arrival fee
834 m
Length of the route
20.1 km
MAXIMUM QUOTE.
1.039 m
Minimum fee
697 m
Uphill elevation gain
706 m
Downhill gradient
710 m
Charging column
Not present on the route
But it can be found in the Valcasotto locality of Pamparato at the Locanda del Mulino, Via Santa Libera 13, telephone 0174.351007.
THE PATH.
Interesting loop trail that winds along the mountain ridge separating valle Mongia from Casotto Valley, developing on mixed ground (dirt and asphalt) and crossing different but complementary landscapes.
From the center of Viola, head west up Via Santuario to the imposing and unexpected Sanctuary of Madonna della Neve, then turn north onto a dirt road and enter the wooded area (predominantly chestnut groves) that stretches toward Pamparato, before rejoining the paved road just upstream from the Chapel of San Sebastiano.
Ignore the signs for the town center (dominated by the town hall), pass by Villa Sottana, and, from the chapel of San Bernardo, continue climbing slightly, first on a dirt road, then along Provincial Road 330 to the center of Viola Saint Grée.
At this point, one turns onto Provincial Road 326 and, heading north, descends again toward Viola's Marconi Square, passing the chapel of San Bernardino and the chapel of Our Lady of Pompeii.
Locations and Points of Interest
Shrine of Our Lady of Snow
Built in the municipality of Viola between 1630 and 1650 on the site of an even older votive shrine, the building has undergone several renovations over the centuries, with major work carried out in 1860 and 1894, when the entire structure was altered to create a replica of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, to which the local population was particularly devoted. Inside, there is an interesting fresco of the Madonna and Child dating back to the 15th century and by an unknown artist.
Pamparato Castle
Built in a commanding position overlooking the entire town, the building likely dates back to the 18th century and was originally constructed as the stately home of the Marquises Cordero di Pamparato. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations, eventually becoming, in modern times, the elegant town hall. Among the castle’s most notable spaces is a grand hall adorned with several antique musical instruments, which is used throughout the year for concerts, exhibitions, and other events.
Chapel of St. Bernard
Commonly regarded as the ancient parish church of Pamparato and, according to some sources, dating back as far as the 11th century, the building features a rectangular floor plan with a barrel vault and a façade that was renovated during the Baroque period. Inside, an interesting cycle of 15th-century frescoes depicting the life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux is preserved on portions of the walls and the vault.
Viola Saint Grée
Conceived in the 1970s as a state-of-the-art ski resort and officially founded on January 5, 1976, by engineer Giacomo Augusto Fedriani, the resort experienced rapid growth over the following fifteen years, winning over tourists and visitors thanks in part to the innovative “Porta della Neve,” a futuristic facility equipped with every amenity. After a period of complete neglect amid the real estate crisis and climate change, Viola Saint Grée has been repositioning itself in recent years to attract not only winter tourists but also visitors year-round, with events and a variety of outdoor activities including downhill skiing, cycling, and hiking.
Local Specialties
Pamparato Cookies: These traditional cornmeal-based treats are made according to an ancient recipe and are often compared to the better-known Paste di Meliga from the Monregalese region (which have since become a Slow Food Presidium). Pamparato Cookies are characterized by their rustic, crunchy flavor and are perfect for both breakfast and a tasty afternoon snack.
Viola Chestnuts: Although there is no specific cultivar associated with the municipality of Viola (as the so-called “garessina,” which has a light straw-yellow color, is widely grown locally), the chestnut is undoubtedly the area’s most characteristic culinary product, given the long history of chestnut cultivation for fruit. It is no coincidence that the Slow Food Community of the Guardians of the Chestnut Groves of the Ligurian Alps has been based in the village of Castello di Viola for several years now.
Download gps coordinates of the route
All Mongibike tracks are also available on Tabui
