Calice al Cornoviglio

Welcome to Calice al Cornoviglio!

Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover everything there is to know about Calice al Cornoviglio? This small municipality in the province of La Spezia, in Liguria, is located in the beautiful setting of the regional natural park of Montemarcello-Magra-Vara and is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Chalice of Cornoviglio: nature and history between mountains and valleys.

Physical Geography

Territory

The territory of Calice al Cornoviglio is composed of mountains and valleys where rivers and streams flow. The capital is located on a hilltop and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The highest peak is Monte Cornoviglio, which reaches a height of 1,162 meters, followed by Monte Coppigliolo with its 1,139 meters. The Usurana river originates from Monte Coppigliolo, flowing through the hamlets of Terruggiara and Ferdana, passing also beneath the hill dominated by the capital, before flowing into the Vara river near the locality of Martinello. The municipal territory of Calice al Cornoviglio is also crossed by the Rì stream, which marks the boundary with the municipality of Podenzana.

Climate

The climate of Calice al Cornoviglio is typically mountainous, with cool summers and harsh winters. Summer temperatures never exceed 25 degrees Celsius, while snow in winter is not uncommon.

History

Calice al Cornoviglio has a long history: the first records date back to the early eleventh century when the complex was owned by the Dioceses of Luni and then by the Malaspina family. During the Republic of Genoa, it became an important outpost against Milan's attacks. Subsequently, it passed under the dominion of the Doria family, to then briefly return to the Malaspina family's hands. In 1772, the Malaspina family granted it to Leopold II of Habsburg-Lorraine, the sovereign of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. During Napoleon Bonaparte's French period, Calice al Cornoviglio was included in the Appennini Department. In 1847, it passed from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany to the Duchy of Modena and Reggio. After the unification of Italy, from 1859 to 1923, Calice al Cornoviglio was the capital of the eponymous district of the Massa district, which was part of the province of Massa-Carrara, assuming its current name in 1863. With the establishment in 1923 of the province of La Spezia, it passed under this administrative entity.

During World War II, Calice al Cornoviglio was at the heart of partisan activities in the Vara Valley.

Today Calice al Cornoviglio is a welcoming and peaceful municipality, ideal for those who want to escape the chaos of the city and enjoy unspoiled nature.

Things to do in Calice al Cornoviglio

Mountain excursions

For nature and trekking enthusiasts, Calice al Cornoviglio is the ideal place. There are numerous excursions you can do in the surrounding area, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. You can admire breathtaking views, follow paths between woods and streams, and climb peaks that reach up to 1,000 meters in height. Among the most beautiful hikes, we recommend the one that leads to the summit of Monte Cornoviglio, where you can enjoy a view of the valley that will leave you breathless.

Visit to the village

The village of Calice al Cornoviglio is characterized by tall stone houses, narrow streets, and old walls that surround it. The heart of the village is the central square, where the parish church and the municipal palace overlook. Here you can take a walk among the artisan shops, taste local specialties and breathe the atmosphere of the past.

Conclusion

Here is Calice al Cornoviglio, an unspoiled gem immersed in nature and history. Come and discover it, and let yourself be conquered by the beauty of the territory and the kindness of its inhabitants. You won't regret it!

Andrea Fontana
Updated Saturday, Nov 19, 2022