Campo Ligure
Campo Ligure: The Jewel of Liguria
If you want to discover an enchanting corner of Liguria, you must visit Campo Ligure. This commune, with its slightly over 2700 inhabitants, has a lot to offer. It is the perfect place if you want to relax amidst nature and discover the history and traditions of the area.
Physical Geography
Campo Ligure is located in the Stura valley, near the Stura di Ovada, Angassino, and Ponzema streams. The territory that surrounds Campo Ligure, including Rossiglione, Masone, Tiglieto, Urbe, and the fraction of Capanne di Marcarolo in the municipality of Bosio, has about 10,000 inhabitants. To the west, the commune falls within the boundaries of the Beigua Regional Nature Park, while to the east, it borders the Marcarolo Natural Park.
The area surrounding Campo Ligure is rich in mountain peaks, including the most important ones like Mount Precaban (946 m), Colle dei Ferri (902 m), Mount Pavaglione (890 m), Cima Mascia (845 m), Mount Bellavista (820 m), Mount Tacco (782 m), Bricco Mascin (758 m), Mount Oliveto (749 m), Bric Valcalda (708 m), and Bric Caban (647 m).
The climate in Campo Ligure is harsh, as it is throughout the Stura valley. In winter, the temperature frequently drops below 0 degrees with abundant snowfall, while in summer, the temperature remains pleasantly cool, thanks to the breeze blowing from the mountains.
History
During the construction of the Asti-Genoa Railway, archaeological finds from the Roman era such as pots and utensils were discovered and are now preserved in the National Roman Museum. In the third century, the Roman Empire built a camp on the territory of Campo Ligure as a garrison against the invasions of Germanic peoples. The place was further fortified by the Byzantines in the sixth century against the Lombards. The position is, in fact, highly strategic, as the place is protected on three sides by the Ponzema, Stura di Ovada, and Langassino streams and closed behind by the castle on which the Castle of Campo Ligure was subsequently built.
In the tenth century, under Lombard influence, the first church dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of the Lombard people, was built. In the following years, it was the land of several noble families, including the Vento and the del Bosco, who in 1217 ceded the fiefdom to the Republic of Genoa.
Filigree: Art and Tradition of Campo Ligure
In addition to its natural beauty and millenary history, Campo Ligure is famous for filigree, the art of goldsmithing. This tradition has ancient origins and was consolidated in the fourteenth century. There are many objects produced by the filigree makers of Campo Ligure: pins, earrings, bracelets, etc. These artifacts are made using a particular technique that involves working gold and silver with thin intertwined wires.
Every year, the commune dedicates a big festival to filigree, where the skillful hands of the filigree makers can be admired, and pins and earrings of all kinds can be purchased.
What to Do in Campo Ligure
If you are a nature lover, we suggest going trekking on the surrounding mountains or visiting the natural oasis of the Marcarolo Capanne Park. If you want to discover the history of Campo Ligure, we recommend visiting the Castle and the Filigree Museum.
The Castle, located in the upper part of the town, was built by the Spinola family in the fourteenth century. Today, after various restructuring interventions, it has been turned into a cultural center and also houses a library.
The Filigree Museum, on the other hand, focuses on the goldsmith tradition of Campo Ligure and is housed inside the Spinola Palace. Inside the museum, you can admire collections of filigree artifacts, tools, and documents related to the history and production of goldsmithing.
For those who love sports, there are also facilities in the area for climbing, mountain biking, and sport fishing.
Conclusion
In summary, Campo Ligure is a hidden treasure of Liguria, where the beauty of nature blends with the history and knowledge of local artisans. A perfect place to spend a vacation of relaxation and culture and discover the wonders of our peninsula.
