Il Giro delle Cinque Torri

The Tour of the 5 Towers (the bell tower of the castle of Monastero and the lookout towers of San Giorgio Scarampi, Olmo Gentile, Roccaverano and Vengore) is one of the most popular hiking routes, excellent (with a little 'training) even for mountain -biking. Starting from the rest area just in front of the Romanesque bridge over the Bormida river and goes up the valley into a very varied natural environment reaching the panoramic view point from the Church Madonna del Rosario. The path continues along a dirt road towards San Giorgio Scarampi, a small historical center congregated around the 12th century tower-house and before reaching Roccaverano, is a small detour to Olmo Gentile, another turreted village of great charm with a beautiful and large rest area. After crossing the centre of Roccaverano (the square of the Renaissance parish church is well worth a visit) continue on the path to the imposing Torre di Vengore (accessible); a stretch of dirt road characterized by Mediterranean vegetation, woodlands and wide landscapes leads up to the village of Santa Libera, once the scene of partisan struggles, today a hiking refuge. From here you return to Monastero Bormida.