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How to get there: Get onto Highway A6 Savona-Torino and exit at Altare Carcare then take the State Route of Col di Cadibona towards Savona.
The town of Val Bormida has medieval origins and it is located in the center of a large forest. In the 11th-12th centuries the land was already exploited for the production of fuel for the glass industry. In fact, glass-making was the true protagonist throughout medieval times and it dominated the scene.
Enrico il Guercio and the Benedictine Monks of the Bergeggi Island were in charge of creating the first Fornaci (stoves) that were managed by famous French artesian masters. Only a few ruins of the 12th century castle remain and they highlight the defensive structure of the town that was subject to disputes between Genoa and Savona. The castle was demolished in the second half of the 1600’s.
The 15th century Church dell’Assunta underwent many modifications. When it was built it was declared the first Parish Church of Altare with the Papal bull in 1141. In fact, a bell tower still stands near the newer 1400 and 1651 constructions. You can admire the mix of Baroque and Romanic styles as well as architectonic effects and popular legends.
Of great prestige is the Parish Church dedicated to St. Eugenio. A few villas in Liberty style make the historical center beautiful. Today, Villa Rosa represents a tourists attraction because it helped the great patrimony of the Università del Vetro.
The Tecci and Burot Forts represented strongholds built to control the street of the col. One must also remember the great poet of a noble family from Altare, Aldo Capasso that was twice nominated for the Noble Prize in Literature. The Col of the Bocchetta, the surrounding woods, and the Bat-bike offer fantastic and adventurous excursions for mountain bike lovers.
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