Garessio

In a chestnut forest covered depression near the end of the Tanaro Valley lies Garessio, nestled on the piemont side of the Apennines

Since the stoneage this town has been a hub of activity. Wild animals and men have made this area their home, especially along the banks of the Tanaro River. There are many artifacts dating back to roman times, some of the more mentionable being the headstones of Trappa and Mindino, a cemetery and the bridge head of Piangranone.

From the ninth century, we see spurs of when the Saracen hordes from Frassineto, Saint Tropez today, spread out throughout the entire Tanaro Valley and through parts of southern Piemont. The many cylindrical watch towers you can see in the valley are remnants of the Saracen settlement. Around the end of the tenth century we see a shift in power, as the people rose up against their enemies and around 950 the Marca Aleramica (an area in the middle of the Roman Empire) was constituted. The name Garessio was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1064. Later on the city became part of the margraviate Ceva.

The ruins of the destroyed castle (1635 by the Savoyans) loom over Borgo Maggiore in medieval fashion. Garessio has survived many attacks, not only from human plunderers and assailants, but also diseases and plagues. Nowadays however, Garresio is known as a quiet holiday town, that has made a name for itself not only because of its ideal climate and geographical position, but also from its famous sparkling water “S.Bernardo”. This town is a treasure and there are many sites to see, such as the many churches, medieval houses, palazzo and the castle. If that is not your cup of tea, there are also many hiking trails that meander through the hills and mountains surrounding the town.