Itinerary "Isella Maretti"
- Trail Conditions: On foot
- Interest: Wildlife
The itinerary leaves from Isella country hamlet where, following a dirt road, you will reach the last vineyards of Cascina dell'Alvearo still partially cultivated with an ancient system, called "maggiorina". Across a woodland where the traces of old fires are evident, you will reach the saddle leading to the cross of Teso. From here, a flat trail leads to Motto della Capretta, a panoramic point where it is possible to admire the degrading hills, the vineyards where the Boca DOC is produced, the Sanctuary of Boca by Alessandro Antonelli and, during the summer, the birds of prey and the black stork. Go back towards the north along an easy trail until you reach S. Bernardo church, where it is possible to see a 17th century fresco that has been recently restored by the Park Authority. A forest road will lead you to Castagnola, a small country hamlet of the Municipality of Valduggia, where you can admire the church of S. Lorenzo, enlarged and restored by architect Antonelli. A steep trail crosses "Parco delle Rimembranze" and leads in a few hundred meters to Mt. Calvario, where you can enjoy, according to Don Ravelli, the most beautiful panorama of Valsesia, from Monviso to Resegone. The oratory of Maretti is worth a short visit: from its portico, the steep trail of Marcoleggia leaves. Then you will take "il sentiero dei morti" (the trail of the dead) backwards: this trail was used in the early 20th century by the inhabitants or Isella, at that time citizens of the Municipality of Valduggia, to lead their dead to the cemetery of Castagnola. Halfway, you will find the chapel of Croce del Gallo, marking the junction between Bola quarry and Isella; take the latter and you will reach the small church dominating Grignasco country hamlet, dedicated to S. Gaudenzio. A steep downhill trail crossing the town center gives the opportunity to easily go back to the departure point.
