Calamndrana, discovering nature

Calamandrana can be considered an outpost in the lands of Monferrato and Langa The northern part crossed by the river Belbo, is almost flat, while the south is hilly and similar in appearance to other areas of Langa.

A witness to the historical past of Calamandrana stands the large castle instead domain of the ancient village and the valley, only one left of the six existing in the surrounding hills. Today the building has a setting rather irregular ground plan and is partly plastered and partly of brick and stone.
the underground structures are preserved: basements, walkways and the cistern of the old fortress. 1983 is the restructuring of the nineteenth-century salon ceiling.

The castle is surrounded by a large park and is reached by a steep and winding road; through the gate, the climb continues for a wide boulevard leading to the quaint drawbridge. But it is in the hills, vineyards, forests, pastures and valleys, the hiker observer can find pleasant surprises forest edges, hedges shelter for wildlife, clear waters such as those of Rio "Fortresses Long", which flows between towering walls vertical and where the dense vegetation, characterized by horsetails, poplars, hornbeams, oaks, alders, is reminiscent of a primeval forest.

For this we propose three itineraries to appreciate the beauty of our hills.

Boidi Cascina Berta, ridge trail and vineyards (2.5 km) - Begins on paved road with little traffic and offers, as you climb, an increasingly broad view of the plain of Calamandrana, the meadows, cultivated fields and on the oldest part of the country, recognizable by the tower of the castle with a polygonal plan. For those fond of horses we recommend a view to "Boas", a riding club and riding school, stables and livery. From Cascina Berta the paved road gives way to a flat cart track, bordered by oaks and young elms. After about 300 meters it is located between orchards and other crops.

Cascina Caruzzo, Fortresses Long, Cascina Caffare, connecting with Route 3 and Palafea Rocchetta. (3 km) - This beautiful route follows more than a kilometer the Rio Rocks Long, name what ever guessed. The trail runs on the flat between a very lush vegetation with an undergrowth characterized by large horsetails, ferns and sedges, and trees such as blacks alders, poplars, service trees, oaks, chestnut trees, ash trees some of which are of considerable size. Those who choose not to abandon the valley, after about 700 meters from the start, must face an increasingly stratified sunken path between the vertical walls of great beauty, it starts moving up abandoning the course of the river.

Caffare farmsteads, the region Asinara, Cascina Pavese, Stables Cavallero, fraction Burned, Verdino Cascina, Cascina Lovisolo, Caffare Cascine. (3 km) - After about 400 meters on little traffic paved road, between vineyards and orchards, turn left on a gravel road that goes downhill, following the signs for Asinaria region. It is a track well suited for those who prefer the bicycle. From Cascina Pavese you can decide whether to continue downhill to the main road and head towards Cassinasco (particularly suitable option for cyclists) or if you take the aforementioned path on the right in the direction of Bruciati

By Giovanni Vassallo