From the Genova Voltri train station (go to the route 13) with the number 101 bus, you can reach the Acquasanta sanctuary for a day of hiking in the western Genoa’s charming mountains. Acquasanta is the area of the old paper mills, which monopolised the European market between the 16th and 17th century. The paper for Europe’s most important courts was produced here. In those times, the Republic of Genoa was forced to ban the emigration of ‘paper workers’ outside the Republic in order to protect the trademark. What made this product unique was the production of linen cloths and hemp.
The bus number 101 (from the bus window the Mele hill unwinds sweetly, it is an ancient village which is worth a visit) ends at the foot of the huge Nostra Signora di Acquasanta Sanctuary, in the thermal area of Genoa. If you observe carefully, the Sanctuary’s wall over the road still shows rusty buckles which were used to secure horses and coaches… Travelling back in time is not difficult, beyond what has been seen and experienced. The mind moves in the space that belongs to memories painted by fantasy and imagination. Behind the Sanctuary are circular terraces and the old vineyards scorched by the sun.
The sanctuary is the starting point of lots of hiking trails that climbing up to the top of Mount Penello (995 m, about 2 hours’ walk) and Punta Martin (1001 m). A few minutes from the sanctuary you will find the houses of Baiarda and its hiking path along Baiardetta river with small lakes and waterfalls. From Acquasanta you can reach on foot with the trails also Varenna Valley in the Pegli area and the village of Arenzano in the Beigua Park.
This article is for information purposes only. We cannot guarantee the effective accessibility of all trails
