Naturalistic sites
Furthermore, in the vicinity:
once there was the sea: the “green stones”
Where: Cassinelle (AL)
Much of the Cassinelle area is characterised by an interesting rock formation known as the “Pietre Verdi” (Green Stones), after their dominant colour. It was formed in the Jurassic-Cretaceous period, when the backbone of the Apennine chain took shape on the floor of a great ocean, later emerging above the continental plate.
This is why in Cassinelle, and especially in the area of the Amione stream, it is possible to find fossils of plants, shells and animals that lived millions of years ago.
And to learn more…: Museo Paleontologico “Giulio Maini” in Ovada.
Mandorli botanical garden
Where: Prasco (AL)
In the botanical garden of the Casa dei Mandorli, in the Mongiut district, you can admire various themed botanical areas devoted to Mediterranean flora, aromatic plants, shrubs, roses and other special species.
The Garden also hosts shows and events. It is also home to a Bed & Breakfast where you can stay.
The Garden is ideally linked to Giorgio Gallesio, author between 1817 and 1839 of the ”Pomona Italiana”, the first and most important iconographic work of Italian pomology. Gallesio, born in Finale Ligure in 1772, was an official and diplomat first of the Republic of Genoa and then, briefly, of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1828 his son Giovanni Battista married Countess Pellina Piuma of Prasco, which allowed Gallesio to spend ever longer periods at Prasco castle and to devote himself with increasing attention to his botanical atlas.
Tamburnera waterfall and pond
Where: Grognardo (AL)
The “Tamburnera” is a small natural lake formed by the Visone stream below a waterfall in the territory of Grognardo.
The special feature of this little lake is the striking green colour of its waters.