Other Walls, the Megalithic Road

The project Stonewallsforlife aims at repairing drystone walls in the area of Manarola and it helps to bring out the exceptional heritage of stone walls included by Unesco in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and also presented throughout Italy. 

The proposed itinerary takes us to the western Ligurian Riviera, in the Beigua Regional Park to discover a path of great interest.

The wonder of nature and the mystery of history meet on the Megalithic Road also known as the “Stonehenge” of Beigua, an itinerary in the heart of prehistory that is particularly interesting from both a historical and naturalistic point of view.

We are a few kilometers from Varazze – in the Beigua Regional Park – and the itinerary to discover these ancient and majestic stones starts from the square of Alpicella (parking). From here continue along Ceresa road (indications: NTL), the road now paved passes along the coast of the mountain anticipating the view of Mount Greppino summit and continues (at least for 45 minutes) until the entrance of the path that will lead to the Megalithic Road. It is a rather simple and suitable path for everyone: it leads, after just less than an hour, to the “Stonehenge” of Beigua (indication N).

Along the route there are many dry stone walls, mostly abandoned and in decay which show the presence of man since ancient times; and it is in a crescendo of beauty and amazement that one enters, step by step, into prehistory.

Once you cross the threshold, no picture can capture the wonder of what surround you and even the less attentive walker can only remain breathless while walking in the twilight of the wood along a paved avenue bordered by a row of majestic beech trees that looks as if it was protected by rows of rocks, like primitive “wayside posts”. The north wall is made up of boulders now almost completely demolished, while the downstream wall is made up of a succession of stones of different sizes.

The route ends at a circle of stones placed side by side in the center of which there is a boulder oriented towards Mount Greppino.

It was probably a “sacred enclosure”, perhaps dedicated to some deity.

Along the way it is also possible to reach Mount Greppino Summit, a bare, rocky and “magnetic” relief; it takes just under thirty minutes (indication T). From here you can enjoy an excellent view, from Mount Beigua to the beaches of the Ligurian west coast.

The path can continue as far as the Cappelletta Faie, where it can be reached by a wide cart track that descends gently and retraces the stages of the Via Crucis and ends at the crossroads where the Cappelletta is located. Going right (following the paved road) you return, after more than an hour to Alpicella (there is no signals, unfortunately). Alternatively, it is possible to turn back by the same path.

If you are interested in doing the Road, it is advisable to visit the park’s website: www.parcobeigua.it