Garessio, a prehistoric settlement at the foot of Colle San Bernardo

Garessio, set between history and nature, probably owes its name to the oaks that once covered the plain and the hill of San Costanzo.

The first traces date back to prehistory, with the caves of Gray and Valdinferno, and continue with the Ligurians and the Romans. Between the 9th and 10th centuries the area suffered Saracen raids, remembered in the toponym of the hamlet Eca Nasagò. In 950 the Aleramic March was established, while in 1064 the village appears as Garexium and shortly after the Charterhouse of Casotto was founded.

In 1276 it passed to the Marquises of Ceva, who granted it the Statutes of the famous “Book of the Chain.” The Savoy destroyed the castle in 1635 and Napoleonic troops occupied the area in 1794. Returned to the Savoy, Garessio was granted the title of City in 1870 by Victor Emmanuel II.

Places of interest in Garessio

Garessio, at the foot of Colle San Bernardo, preserves a fascinating medieval quarter, the Borgo Maggiore, which unfolds among streets, squares, and picturesque views. From Via Cavour one reaches Porta Rose, an ancient tower and entrance to the 12th‑century fortified ricetto. A little further on, in Piazza Carrara, stand Casa Odda, with elegant Gothic windows, and the 17th‑century Town Hall with its bell tower. Continuing, one encounters the splendid little square of San Giovanni, dominated by the church of the same name with eighteen 17th‑century lunettes, paving designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and façades painted in trompe‑l’oeil.

In the Bricco quarter, gathered beneath the castle hill, the Middle Ages can still be felt among 16th‑century houses and Porta Jhape, connected to the walls that flank the San Mauro stream. Beyond stands the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Extra Moenia with its 1448 bell tower. Imposing is the Parish Church of the Virgin Mary Assumed (1717–28), the work of Francesco Gallo, rebuilt after Napoleonic destruction.

Worth a stop are Piazza dei Battuti Parvi, with its medieval chapel, and the Market Square, at the foot of the ruins of the 12th‑century castle. Beyond the village rise the Clocharium Tower and the Baroque church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, another masterpiece by Gallo.

Events in the village of Garessio

Garessio preserves traditions and events that combine faith, culture, and gastronomy. The most evocative is the Mortorio, a sacred representation of the Passion of Christ which, every few years, enlivens the church of San Giovanni Battista and the village streets with 18th‑century processions. In June, Alta Val Tanaro Emozioni d’Acqua is celebrated with walks and tastings at the fountains, while in July, every two years, the Borgo Maggiore blossoms with Garessio in Fiore. August features the spectacular Carrera Saracina, September the Mountain Festival with the Sagra della Polenta Saracena, and in October La Castagna Garessina.

What to see around Garessio

Hiking enthusiasts will be fully satisfied: dozens of trails into the Maritime Alps start from Garessio. Among the most noteworthy are the “red route,” which begins in Garessio and reaches the Casotto Castle, and the “blue route,” which starts in Garessio and leads to Ceriale.

The Alta Val Tanaro offers unmissable panoramic views, forests, forts, and castles. Climbing instead to Garessio 2000, about twelve kilometers from the village, one reaches the ski resort with sea‑view slopes overlooking the Ligurian gulf and Corsica.

In short, there is something for everyone: come and discover the village of Garessio and you won’t regret it!

Photo credits: Dmytro Surkov