The Mt. Santa Croce, above Pieve, opening onto the Gulf of Genoa
This is a short loop route, suitable for everyone and with a spectacular panorama; the route links Pieve Alta with San Bernardo. Particularly suited to clear winter days, it is not recommended in summer because of the heat. The trip is, without a doubt, short, but it makes it possible to enjoy typically Ligurian landscapes on a fairly flat, easy route. The route leaves from upper Pieve Ligure: from the main piazza (square), take the little road between the church and the cemetery (Fie trail mark ?two red squares? from the Sori railway station and to Monte Cordona) which begins to go uphill to the east in the midst of an olive grove. After about 15 minutes, you leave the road and take a steep, old mule track to the right that passes alongside several cottages in an enchanting setting. After a short distance, you will pass the votive pillars (aediculae) of the Via Crucis which accompany you along the ascent up to the little church of Santa Croce (Holy Cross). About a half hour from the crossroads, we meet a small wood of cluster pines hiding the view of the summit for much of the ride. Once we cross the woods, we find ourselves near the summit where the church of Santa Croce and a small sanctuary stand. They are reached by a good stretch of mule track. From the grassy clearing on the side of the church, you can enjoy the extraordinary panorama over the Gulf of Genoa, from the Isola del Tino to the east and Capo Mele to the west. On clear winter days it is not unusual to even see Corsica, with Monte Stella (Capo Corso) to the left and Monte Cinto to the right. We pass the church and on the other side we find a steep, rocky trail that descends along the west coast towards San Bernardo (Fie trail mark ?dash red dot? from the Bogliasco station and to Monte Bado). After a water tank, the trail becomes less steep and meets the first houses until you enter San Bernardo along a mule track from upstream. From the square of the village, take the small flat, non vehicle road, without trail marks yet evident, from San Bernardo back to the starting point in an easterly direction. The road unwinds in the midst of houses and olive plants and the route takes you up back to the square of Pieve Ligure. In all, this route takes about two and a half hours. In another hour and a half, you can follow the Fie trail marks from the Sori Station to the Bogliasco station, on good trails.
Leave the Aurelia main road at Pieve Ligure (Genoa-Nervi or Recco exits from the Genoa-Livorno Motorway) and, head 2 km by car or bus to Pieve Alta, the starting point of this route.
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Length: ?
Difficulty: E
Difference in level: 300 m
Dirt road: yes
Time necessary: 2.30 hours
Recommended season: winter
Ospitality in this area:
Stages of other paths